Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) is advancing the development of implants designed to restore bone tissue, including procedures such as cranioplasty that rebuild skull bones. A specialist from the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology at SPbPU, Nurjemal Tagandurdyeva, shared insights with socialbites.ca.
In adults, skull defects are commonly addressed with non-absorbable materials like titanium or various polymers. Yet in children, this approach is not suitable. A child’s body is still growing, and materials that do not degrade can hinder natural development. As growth progresses, the implanted material may fail to dissolve alongside the evolving bone, creating long-term complications. This is why researchers are concentrating on resorbable materials that can gradually be absorbed and replaced by natural bone tissue. Tagandurdyeva emphasized the focus on creating such composite materials to meet the unique needs of pediatric patients. (Source: socialbites.ca)
According to the scientist, the goal is to craft implants that strike a balance between durability and resorption. Achieving this involves engineering composites that pair a filler, such as a fabric made from chitosan, with a polymer matrix based on polylactide or polycaprolactone. The resulting structure aims to maintain mechanical strength while gradually breaking down as new bone forms. (Source: socialbites.ca)
Tagandurdyeva explained that the mechanical integrity of these composites can approach that of healthy bone tissue. In the healing process, the skull continues to bear loads, and the implant is designed to be absorbed over time, making room for native bone to take its place. The overarching objective is to support natural bone regeneration without compromising growth in younger patients. (Source: socialbites.ca)
Current investigations are progressing through tests on small laboratory animals to evaluate safety, biocompatibility, and the kinetics of resorption. The research team is assessing how these materials interact with bone and surrounding tissues, how effectively they support healing, and how the composite components influence cellular responses. The findings will guide future refinements and help determine the best pathways for clinical translation. (Source: socialbites.ca)
In discussing potential future applications, the researchers address broader questions about nerve repair methods and the feasibility of translating experimental concepts into human treatments. The dialogue reflects ongoing exploration in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, where discoveries at the lab bench move toward practical therapies that could one day benefit patients with complex cranial injuries or bone defects. (Source: socialbites.ca)