Our researchers are working on a technology for producing a multi-purpose composite material for bone tissue reconstruction. – We want to use bones’ natural regeneration capacity - says Konrad Szustakiewicz PhD, Eng. from WUST’s Faculty of Chemistry. 

Konrad Szustakiewicz, PhD and a group of researchers from Wrocław University of Science and Technology are participating in an interdisciplinary project supervised by Warsaw’s Institute of Ceramics and Building Materials. The consortium also includes the University of Gdańsk, the Institute of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, and the business partner SensDx.

The idea of the project, funded by the National Centre for Research and Development for the purpose of the Techmatstrateg 2 competition, is to create a biologically active bone implant.  It is intended to help patients with bone losses caused by osteoporosis, cancer, or injuries.

A composite material will be used for this purpose, comprising a specially selected polymer and bio-compatible and mechanically resistant bio-glass, Which makes it perfect for bone tissue defects.

- Our material is to expected to be biodegradable and bio-resorbable, which means that it will be decomposed in the human or animal body in a way preventing toxic compounds from forming. It won’t cause inflammation and will be absorbed by the body. This is the plan - explains Konrad Szustakiewicz, PhD from the Division of Polymer Engineering and Technology.

The idea translated into reality by the consortium is at the crossroads of various fields of science. - These are activities in an area where material engineering, polymer chemistry, ceramics, medicine and, of course, biology meet - stresses Konrad Szustakiewicz. - We’re responsible for producing a polymer with the appropriate molecular weight - he explains.

The project’s innovation lies in the fact that the material obtained is not only supposed to fill the cavity but also to stimulate cells to regenerate and prevent inflammation.

- Various solutions are being developed in many centres. Our approach is different because, firstly, we propose a polymer-ceramic material and, secondly, it will be biologically active. As a result, the process of wound healing will be significantly shortened - says the WUST project manager.

This approach was positively evaluated by experts, the project having already received the Polish Intelligent Development Award in the ”Innovative technologies of the future” category.

The consortium’s activities are expected to span three years. The WUST team is seven strong. Apart from the head of the project, its members are  Małgorzata Gazińska, PhD. Eng. Ewelina Ortyl, PhD. Eng. Magdalena Kobielarz, PhD. Eng. Dominika Czycz, PhD. Eng, Agnieszka Bondyra, and Michał Grzymajło. The researchers received almost a million zlotys for their part of the project. The value of the whole project is 7 million PLN.