Technological breakthrough for a new generation of implants

Scientists and engineers from the EU funded project Functionally graded additive manufacturing scaffolds by hybrid manufacturing (acronym: FAST) have developed an innovative, cost effective process to create bone implants. These artificial bones have a specific structure which not only absorbs the mechanical load of the bone, but also encourages the formation of new bone cells. The latter is enforced by a specific treatment of the implant's surface. To realize these properties, the FAST researchers have merged technologies from additive manufacturing and plasma coating. The implant is made of a polymer composite, which may include a ready-to-go cocktail of drugs to suppress post-surgery infections and enhance tissue regeneration.