Polish scientists have patented groundbreaking implantable biomaterials – innovative composites for the treatment of bone defects and applications in regenerative medicine! The European Patent Office (EPO) has granted a patent for the invention titled “Multifunctional Chitosan Composites For Bone Defect Filling And Bone Tissue Regeneration And Methods For Obtaining Them”.
Behind this success stands an interdisciplinary team of researchers, with Professor Sylwia Rodziewicz-Motowidło representing the University of Gdańsk. She leads the Department of Biomedical Chemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry. Her team included Professor Franciszek Kasprzykowski, Dr. Justyna Sawicka, Dr. Natalia Karska, and MSc Eng. Agnieszka Kubiś.
The project also involved scientists from the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Ceramics and Building Materials, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, the Institute of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, as well as representatives from the company SENS DX.
Professor Rodziewicz-Motowidło emphasized that the aging population and the growing prevalence of civilization diseases, such as osteoporosis and cancer, are contributing to a rising number of patients suffering from bone fractures and related conditions.
“This highlights the urgent need for effective solutions. Our team has developed innovative implantable biomaterials that address these challenges. Their unique composition and formulation promote bone growth and support the regeneration of damaged tissue,” said Prof. Rodziewicz-Motowidło in a statement shared by the university.
According to the University of Gdańsk, the new materials have potential applications in orthopedics, maxillofacial surgery, neurosurgery, and procedures following traumatic bone injuries. The composite biomaterials are made from chitosan (a natural polymer with high biocompatibility), bioactive glass, and peptides. These components provide antibacterial and pro-regenerative properties that accelerate healing and reduce postoperative complications. They are also designed to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
These materials can also act as a carrier for other active substances or as a base forbiomaterials with therapeutic properties.
“The idea for the collaborative project emerged during the Bioinnovations conference in Gdańsk, where I met Dr. Artur Oziębło from the Institute of Ceramics and Building Materials. He was seeking research teams for collaboration. Together, we visited the World Hearing Center in Kajetany and, with Prof. Piotr Skarżyński, discussed the need for biomaterials for patients undergoing hearing surgeries. These meetings inspired us to develop the concept of a new biomaterial. We formed an interdisciplinary team and applied for funding from the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR),” explained Prof. Rodziewicz-Motowidło.
Following the approval of the funding application, the research team developed 20 different biocomposites, three of which have already undergone animal testing. The resulting materials can act as a biomaterialto fill a bone defect and provide a matrix for cells, while promoting regeneration of damaged tissue. This can significantly accelerate the healing process and reduce post-operative
complications in surgery and microsurgery.
The University of Gdańsk reports that discussions are currently underway with companies and investment funds to further develop the innovation. The next steps include product certification and trials on larger animals, paving the way toward clinical implementation.
The process of preparing the patent application for the European Patent Office (EPO) was coordinated by the Technology Transfer Center at the University of Gdańsk, led by Director Katarzyna Gronowska. (PAP)
Source:
Multifunctional composite implant materials for bone filling and bone regeneration
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Łukasiewicz – Institute of Ceramics and Building Materials
