Extrusion-based 3D printing of ceramics scaffolds for spinal fusion

• Grant number: 24/07141-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Ana Paula Rosifini Alves
• Grantee: Bruno Giuliatti Winter
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEG). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Guaratinguetá. Guaratinguetá , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/14790-2 - Biomimetic spine fusion implants for back pain (BioFusion), AP.TEM

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, back pain was among the top ten diseases that caused the greatest onus on society in terms of years lived with disability in 2019. An estimated 30 to 40% of these cases are attributed to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. There are currently no intensive treatments for IVD degeneration. If analgesics and physical therapy fail to control the pain, surgical treatment may be available. Considered in some cases in which the involved spinal segments are fused usingmetal/polymer cages. This spinal fusion operation is very effective in relieving patient's pain, but it is not always successful, leading to delayed fusions or non-unions. The main objective of this study will be the development of bone regeneration supports using 3D extrusion printing in partnership with CTI Renato Archer (Campinas) with an osteoconductive ceramic material produced by researchers in the Netherlands.