Using 3D Printed Bioglass As A Surgical Replacement For Human Cartilage

Doctors May Soon Rebuild Patients’ Knees Using New 3D-Printed Bioglass

Kelly Hodgkins | May 16, 2016

The printing of biomaterials is the next horizon in 3D printing, with researchers working with materials designed to replace blood vessels, skin and more. Now, 3D-printed cartilage can be added to that growing list thanks to a team of researchers from the Imperial College London and the University of Milano-Bicohcca, reports 3ders.
The researchers are developing a new bioglass material comprised only of silica and a polymer called polycaprolactone.

"A bio-glass has been discovered that mimics the properties of cartilage, the flexible connective tissue which acts as a cushion between the bones and often wears out. Once cartilage is gone, it does not grow back and a knee replacement is the only option." Source: http://3dprintingindustry.com/2016/05/13/new-bioglass-change-knee-surgery/

<more at http://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/3d-printed-cartilage-biomaterial/; related articles and links: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160512084903.htm (New bio-glass could make it possible to re-grow or replace cartilage. May 12, 2016) and http://3dprintingindustry.com/2016/05/13/new-bioglass-change-knee-surgery/ (New bioglass could change knee surgery. May 13, 2016)>