Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Actifuse
500
μ
m
Bone
Porous melt-
derived glass
Sol-gel glass foam
Figure 12.2
Three-dimensional images, obtained using X-ray microtomography, of
porous networks in Actifuse, cancellous bone and bioactive glass foams (melt-derived
and sol-gel derived). (Images by Sheng Yue. Copyright (2012) Sheng Yue.)
soluble silica, which stimulates cells to produce more bone. What sets
Actifuse apart from bioactive glass is that it consists of porous granules
(Figure 12.1b). The pores are of a similar size to those in porous bone
(Figure 12.2), which means the granules mimic the macrostructure of
the cancellous or trabecular bone.
12.2 SYNTHETIC BONE GRAFTS AND REGENERATIVE
MEDICINE
Regenerative medicine is using materials (implants), cells, drugs or a
combination of these to stimulate the body to regenerate diseased or
damaged tissue to its original state and function. For example, a tumour
is removed from a bone, leaving a large defect. The bone would have
been able to heal itself if the defect was small, like a routine fracture,
but if the gap is large, the cells cannot 'sense' the other side of the
defect and the defect remains, or is filled with soft tissue. A temporary
template (scaffold) is needed that can help the cells. The scaffold acts
as a framework and guide for the cells that usually regenerate the bone.
