Scientists have designed a unique material for artificial bones

According to UPI.com the scientists of Northwestern University claim that bones may be printed on a 3D-printer. For this purpose, researchers have designed a special ink from mineral hydroxyapatite and the biodegradable polymer. The scientists have conducted experiments in stem cells and animals.

According to the researchers, the cells respond to biological activity of hydroxyapatite. When the researchers placed the stem cells into the new material, the cells turned into bone cells and began to regulate the expression of genes related to bones. However, other compounds stimulating bone formation were not used.

Experts say that the new material will change the lives of children requiring implantation. Currently, these children undergo a lot of operations. For these operations the bones are taken from other parts of the body. It brings a lot of inconvenience. Hyperelastic material, created by the scientists, may be drawn individually for each patient. Such implant may be made for 24 hours.

Source: MEDdaily