Indian Scientists Develop Polymer for Bone Implants

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc)  in New Delhi, India, report that they have developed a material made of polymer nanocomposite (a polymer having nanoparticles) that can be used in bone implants.

“Age takes a toll on people’s bone health leading to diseases like osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Rapid advancement in technology has however enabled in treating such diseases by surgical replacement, ” an IISc official said in a release.

To make certain that the material was compatible with human body tissues and did not cause any toxic effects the researchers grew two types of cells—bone cell and stem cells—on the material. Both of these cells showed enhanced proliferation and increased metabolic activity on the polymer nanocomposite. Researchers interpreted this to mean that it was a good material for bone implants.

“This material supports growth of stem cells and bone cells in parallel. It has high wear resistance, better life span, is lightweight and doesn’t cost much to manufacture, ” said Rahul Upadhyay, a research scholar at the Material Research Centre, IISc.

The researchers also tested the mechanical strength and results showed the new material has moderate load bearing capability and was less prone to mechanical damage. “This material could be a promising candidate for moderate load bearing orthopaedic applications. The main aim of our research is to develop a prototype of an acetabular socket for hip implants with dimensions specially suited for Indian patients, ” he said.