Development of load-bearing fibre reinforced composite based non-metallic biomimetic bone implant

Objective

The aim of NEWBONE is to develop fibre reinforced composite (FRC) material load-bearing implant: to produce at prototype level two resorbable fixation devices in knee/shoulder ligament repair and two non-resorbable bone fixation devices for reconstruction of large bone defects and study the use of developed technologies in complete implants (hip stem, knee) and spine applications.

The proposal is high tech SME driven: they represent all the different competence areas needed to develop FRC bone implant. Research institution partners are adding to the competence portfolio and the latest knowledge developed by them is transferred to the use of SMEs.

Three major breakthrough innovations are present in the proposal: FRC material is used for load bearing bon e implants; bioactive glass and hydroxyl-apatite is used on the implant-bone interface; a new processing method is applied to allow in-situ modifications of the implant during surgery.

The results will cover the gaps that exist in Europe in terms of increased healthcare costs and decreased quality of life of patients as well as of Europe dragging behind US in commercialisation of biomaterials and implant technologies. FRC material will reduce problems caused by stress-shielding of currently used metal implants.

Partners include Swiss SME Medacta International SA, producer of hip and knee prosthesis and Finnish company ConMed Linvatec Biomaterials Ltd, producer of sports injury repair systems, both committed to the development of FRC implants to be included to their future product portfolios.

Together with all industrial partners involved, the consortium will have the abilities to increase the turnover of European implant industry and take the role of a global leader in the niche sector of FRC load-bearing bone implants.

Fields of science

• engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcompositesbiocomposites
• medical and health sciencesclinical medicinesurgerysurgical procedures
• engineering and technologymedical engineeringdiagnostic imagingmagnetic resonance imaging
• engineering and technologyindustrial biotechnologybiomaterials
• medical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologyimplantsartificial bone

Programme(s)

• FP6-NMP - Nanotechnologies and nanosciences, knowledge-based multifunctional materials and new production processes and devices: thematic priority 3 under the 'Focusing and integrating community research' of the 'Integrating and strengthening the European Research Area' specific programme 2002-2006.

Topic(s)

• NMP-2004-SME-3.4.4.6 - Biomaterials technologies for implants

Call for proposal

FP6-2004-NMP-SME-4
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Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (15)