Project

Patient-specific 3D-printed polymer implants with prospect memory Acronym: 3D4Med

Acronym
3D4Med
Code
41W08919
Duration
01 April 2019 → 31 March 2022
Funding
European funding: various
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Free radical chemistry
Keywords
polymer implants
Other information
 
Project description

The aging population is leading to a growing need for new technologies to repair tissues to replace defective organs. Currently, tissue repair is performed either by autologous grafts or by transplantation from deceased donors, causing problems with immune rejection of organs. Moreover, the low availability of donor organs is no longer in line with the ever-increasing demand for new tissues. The main challenge of tissue engineering is to solve the problems of organ shortages by providing surgeons with functional substitutes developed in vitro. The principle is based on:

    The personalized development of temporary polymer matrices that allow cell colonization and tissue development with minimal inflammation;
    The biocompatibility of the polymers used in tissue development;
    The structural characteristics (porosity/interconnectivity of pores) and mechanical characteristics (elasticity/resistance) play an extremely important role in cell development and tissue integration.

 
Role of Ghent University
The Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials group of UGent has great expertise in the development and characterization of functional polymers for different biomedical applications along with processing through electrospinning, 3D-printing and 2-photon polymerization. With this knowledge/expertise in polymer synthesis, polymer processing and characterization, UGent/PBM is the leader of 3D4Med WP4: ‘Selection and development of biomaterials with shape-memory properties’. In addition, UGent will collaborate closely with other partners to complete WP5: ‘Development of complex medical implants by 3D-printing’ and to communicate the results via networking.
 
 
Disclaimer
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Regional Development Fund, ERDF. Neither the European Union nor the authority can be held responsible for any use the may be made of the information contained therein.