RAFT has developed SmartCaP®, a novel composite biomaterial which will be used for the treatment of bone defects. This material contains two key components which, in combination, will mimic the molecular structure of natural bone:
- A porous biomaterial, developed by RAFT, which has been proven to generate new blood vessels; something that is essential for the growth of new bone
- Calcium Phosphate; a mineral found naturally in bone which plays an important role in giving the material its osteogenic (bone-forming) properties
The new material will be suitable for filling bone defects anywhere in the body, including hip and knee revision surgeries and spinal fusion treatment. It could also be potentially used in dental applications.
RAFT’s research partners for this bone regeneration research are:
- Prof Jonathan Knowles, Professor of Biomaterials Science, Eastman Dental Institute, UCL, London
- Prof Gordon W Blunn, Professor of Bioengineering, University of Portsmouth and Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, UCL, London
- Dr Martyn Snow, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham
- Dr Alodia Orera, Materials Scientist, Aragon Institute of Materials Science and University of Zaragoza, Spain