Porous Biodegradable Polymers for Bone Grafts

Case ID:
09-950

Technology Summary: A novel polymer nanocomposites has been developed as a potential alternative to autografts and allografts in orthopedic procedures requiring bone grafting. Supercritical CO2 processing of resorbable polymer/nano-clay mixtures results in the formation of porous nanocomposite constructs which exhibit biocompatibility and significant improvements in mechanical properties (2.5-fold increase in compressive strength compared with pure polymer constructs). Improvements in the mechanical properties of the constructs are related to the dispersion of nano-clay within the polymer matrix and a subsequent reduction in polymer chain mobility.

Advantages:
• Biocompatible porous morphology to act as scaffold
• Improved mechanical properties – can withstand biomechanical loading in the body
• Biodegradable – resorbs predictably without side effects

Stage of Development:  Pre-Clinical
• In vitro cultured human osteoblasts – established biocompatibility, no toxicity, positive cellular infiltration, calcium phosphate deposit.

Patent Status: Patents Issued
• 8,729,171 “Supercritical Carbon-Dioxide Processed Biodegradable Polymer Nanocomposites”

References:
• 2011 “Supercritical carbon dioxide processed resorbable polymer nanocomposite bone graft substitutes” Baker et. al. ACTA Biomaterialia 7  pp 3382-3389
• 2010 “Investigation of Clay Modifier Effects on the Structure and Rheology of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide-Processed Polymer Nanocomposites” Bellair et al. Journal of Polymer Science Part B : Polymer Physics 48, p823-831

 

Patent Information:
For Information, Contact:
Nicole Grynaviski
Commercialization Principal
Wayne State University
ez3658@wayne.edu
Inventors:
Rangaramanujam Kannan
Kevin Baker
Robert Bellair
Mihai Manitiu
Harry Herkowitz
Keywords: