Date added: 2024-06-24
Modern biomaterial from Gdansk Tech honoured at international trade fair
About the fair
INTARG, or the International Invention and Innovation Show, is an event where the latest technological achievements, innovative projects, and inventions from various fields are presented on both a national and international scale. The goal of the fair is to promote innovation, establish business connections, and support the transfer of technology between science and industry. The fair includes annual activities such as exhibitions, competitions, conferences, seminars, and B2B meetings.
Innovative bone cement - the result of collaboration between three universities
For this year's 17th edition of INTARG, the scientific club "Materials in Medicine" from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology at Gdańsk University of Technology submitted their invention to the main competition. The project, led by Dr. Marcin Wekwejt, is titled "injectable double-binding bone cement based on magnesium-potassium phosphate and alginate hydrogel." This invention was developed by a team of researchers from Gdańsk University of Technology, Medical University of Gdańsk, and Nicolaus Copernicus University, including:
- Rafał Jesiołkiewicz (Scientific Club "Materials in Medicine," Gdańsk University of Technology),
- Dr. Aleksandra Mielewczyk-Gryń (Faculty of Technical Physics and Applied Mathematics, Gdańsk University of Technology),
- Dr. Anna Ronowska (Medical University of Gdańsk),
- Dr. Justyna Kozłowska (Nicolaus Copernicus University),
- Dr. Marcin Wekwejt (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology, Gdańsk University of Technology).
The collaboration between these three universities was crucial for the project. Each institution provided unique resources, such as modern laboratories, advanced research equipment, and extensive databases, which enabled access to a wide range of research tools. A positive aspect of this collaboration was the joint effort of experts with diverse knowledge in biomaterials. The exchange of knowledge and experiences from various fields, such as material and mechanical engineering, chemistry, and medicine, allowed for the realization of advanced interdisciplinary research. These studies required various specializations, ultimately leading to the development of this innovative solution.
What the Developed Cement Is, Its Characterization, and Application
This innovative material is dedicated to the active treatment of various types of bone defects. The biocomposite is based on a combination of ceramics — magnesium phosphate and polymer — alginate hydrogel. It is obtained through two simultaneous reactions: hydration and ionic cross-linking, resulting in the formation of cement.
The material is characterized by high cohesion (it does not wash out in an aqueous environment) and injectability, enabling precise application in hard-to-reach areas. It has accelerated biodegradation and releases bioactive ions, promoting bone tissue regeneration. It also exhibits appropriate physicochemical and mechanical properties, ensuring stability at the application site. Most importantly, the cement is safe for use in the human body, as confirmed by cell studies.
Applications of this biomaterial primarily include minimally invasive orthopedic procedures, such as fracture stabilization, bone defect filling, and treatment of critical defects. This cement is particularly beneficial for elderly patients and those suffering from osteoporosis, where rapid and effective bone defect treatment is crucial for improving quality of life.
What Sets This Invention Apart
The invention by our researchers stands out from existing solutions and addresses the main shortcomings of current bone cements, such as difficulty in controlling hardening, poor cohesion in an aqueous environment, injection problems, high binding temperature, and too slow biodegradation. As mentioned earlier, this is a biocomposite material combining ceramic and polymer characteristics, which gives it these unique functional properties. Ultimately, the proposed bone cement developed under the PLUTONIUM project aims to offer a modern and effective solution for orthopedic patients, surpassing available medical cements.
Success of the Bone Cement at the Fair
The invention developed at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology at Gdańsk University of Technology was recognized by the jury of the INTARG2024 competition, which awarded it a gold medal. The award at the 17th International Invention and Innovation Show was received by students Maryia Khamenka and Magdalena Górecka.
This is our first success at such an event, and winning the "gold" provides tremendous motivation for further work for every member of the club. In an academic context, the gold medal can enhance the potential of our projects and the club members themselves, opening opportunities for additional scholarships or grant applications, commented Rafał Jesiołkiewicz, M.Sc. Eng., member of the PLUTONIUM project and future doctoral student at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology at Gdańsk University of Technology.
Future plans
Following the success of the invention at the fair and its effective performance, which could revolutionize bone regeneration in the orthopedic industry, the scientific club "Materials in Medicine" is conducting further research to confirm all necessary requirements and safety standards for such solutions. There are also preliminary plans for commercialization.
We are collaborating with the technology transfer departments of our universities to develop an implementation strategy and have started discussions with potential business partners. At the same time, we are seeking additional funding opportunities to further develop this invention. We also plan to continue participating in trade fairs and industry conferences to present our solution to a broader audience and acquire additional business contacts, says Dr. Marcin Wekwejt, the project manager of PLUTONIUM at Gdańsk University of Technology.
Other Technologies and Projects
In addition to the described bone cement, four other technologies have been developed under the PLUTONIUM project — based on this magnesium-potassium phosphate and various synthetic and natural hydrogels. Moreover, the "Materials in Medicine" club is actively engaged in other projects in collaboration with the Department of Biomaterials Technology, including:
- Development of an antibacterial modification of bone glue intended for securing implants in bones, led by Dr. Michał Bartmański,
- Application of plasma oxidation to improve the bioactivity of titanium alloy for load-bearing implants, led by Dr. Magda Rościszewska,
- Characterization of a SCOBY nanocellulose/hydroxyapatite composite dedicated to bone tissue engineering, led by Dr. Alicja Stanisławska.
And all for passion...
The activities of the "Materials in Medicine" scientific club are the materialized dreams of its members, who turned their will into real actions and encourage our academic community to do the same. The most important thing is not to get discouraged when something doesn't work out right away. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and keep developing, says club member Magdalena Górecka. Anna Melnyk adds how crucial cooperation is in such successes — Working together allows for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and support when we encounter obstacles. And what if we don't have clearly defined goals? Maryia Khamenka responds without a doubt — Try everything that interests you even a little and participate in everything you can.
