Biomaterials for trauma

We are involved in the development and evaluation of new biomaterials by using preclinical, as well as, clinical models. 

One of our main goals is to take forward materials that can be used to heal large bone defects after trauma. Secondly, we aim to optimize compounds that will stimulate bone healing in patients with compromised healing capacity. 

These challenges require different types of bone substitutes and a crucial part of the development of new materials is conducted by the groups of Polymer Chemistry, BioMaterial Systems and Materials in Medicine, all situated at Ångström Laboratory, a part of the Technical Faculty at Uppsala University.

Before new biomaterials can be transitioned into clinical treatments, the specific biological responses of new materials have to be evaluated. Using preclinical as well as clinical models we aim to improve understanding of the biological interactions with biomaterials as well as proofing biological safety and exploring treatment options.

Ongoing project – basic research meets clinical needs

For a long period there has been an unmet need in the orthopaedic community for an adhesive material, a “bone glue”, that will allow fixation of small bone and cartilage fragments where conventional nails or screws for various reasons do not provide sufficient fixation.

In a recently initiated research project the intention is to optimize and evaluate a new type of adhesive. The project is part of a collaboration with European academics and industrial research partners. 

In another project, we have over the last years been part of developing a new polymer based carrier that can be used for bone induction. The biological efficacy of the inductive molecules is higher than with previously used carriers, which means that the dosage of the bio-inductive material can be lowered dramatically while still, the same bone forming capacity will be achieved. 

Additionally, we are working on a replacement platform for in vitro testing. Biomaterial evaluation requires many different in vitroassays to initially assess biocompatibility; however, translation between in vitroand in vivoassays has proven to be challenging. In accordance to the three R’s – Reduction, refinement, and replacement – we are developing a bioreactor platform to evaluate biomaterials in a 3D environment and in contact to live bone tissue. 

Evaluating biomaterials with a wide range of techniques – from cells to animal models 

Employing an array of experimental in vitroas well as in vivo models, various modifications of the material will be evaluated with the aim to optimize both biological and mechanical properties.

By using the state of the art micro-CT in combination with PET and SPECT imaging (availble at the PRECLINICAL PET-MRI PLATFORM), longitudinal information can be gathered describing events at the interface between the biological surfaces and the partially interpositioned adhesive material.

In addition, conventional hard tissue and histochemical assessments will be used for increasing the knowledge on how the adhesive properties are being executed. Static and dynamic mechanical testing will be used for describing the mechanical competence over time when subjected to static as well as repetitive loading. The direct response of cells is measured through various cell assays while qPCR analysis is used to analyse the impact of biomaterials on gene expression level. Soon our new bioreactor platform will be used to explore tissue- material interphases in vitro, which will give valuable insight for further translation towards clinical use. 

We are combining our basic biological research with our clinical use and biomaterial collaborations to find more effective ways of healing after trauma.

Group members:
Sune Larsson, Professor
Gry Hulsart Billström, PhD
Christina Stelzl, MSc

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