An overview of the NUSPINE results and their exploitation and dissemination can be found below, WP by WP.
WP2: Synthesis of novel materials with enhanced biocompatibility
Fully biocompatible silicon nitride bulk materials as well as coatings were synthesized and characterized. Furthermore, material for an all-ceramic total disc replacement design was developed, as well as a more bioactive spinal fusion cage. The research was disseminated through 5 scientific papers and 8 conference contributions. Another 10 scientific papers are submitted or being prepared. The work has also led to 2 patent applications and 1 spin-off company. The ESRs attended more than 50 training courses and workshops.
1 PhD thesis was defended in 2023, the others are scheduled for 2024.
ESR1 is currently working for a start-up in the Spine Medical Device industry in Sweden. ESR 12 is working as a development engineer in the Med Tech field in Germany.
WP3: Structural design and advanced mechanical characterization of novel materials and implants for the spine
Several new spinal implant designs were developed and validated through mechanical testing, namely optimized screws for trabecular bone, an all-ceramic total disc replacement, as well as two new spinal fusion cage designs. The research was disseminated through 17 papers, 6 open data sets and 20 conference contributions. 2 patent applications were submitted. The ESRs in WP3 attended approx. 20 training activities (courses and workshops).
3 PhD defences are scheduled in winter 23/24, 2 in spring 24. The work by ESR2 also led to 2 granted funding applications to the Swedish Innovation Agency, allowing him to continue the work after defending.
WP4: Tribology and corrosion of novel materials and implants for the spine
New testing protocols for the adverse tribological and tribocorrosive assessment of spinal devices were developed. Furthermore, an advanced control system for use in tribocorrosion simulators was developed, as well as a new facet joint prosthesis design. The research was disseminated in 2 scientific papers and 10 conference contributions. 2 manuscripts in preparation. This WP suffered more severe COVID-related delays due to higher societal restrictions. ESRs in WP4 attended more than 45 training activities.
PhD defences are scheduled in spring 2024.
Industry impact was mainly achieved by ESR8. Here, algorithms for the control system have been employed in commercial apparatus or applications through Key Engineering Solutions.
ESR6 is currently employed as a researcher in the UKRI Programme Grant Oncological Engineering whilst ESR 8 is working as a System Test Engineer at ASMPT SMT UK Limited.
WP5: Biological response to materials
The biological response to the developed materials was evaluated, including developing better methods to this end. A comprehensive in vitro comparison of cellular effects on various biomaterials for spinal implants was carried out. Furthermore, newly developed materials were evaluated in vitro as well as in vivo. A 3-dimensional model for bridging the gap between 2D in vitro and in vivo biological evaluations was also developed and applied to silicon nitride coating material and debris. The research was disseminated through 8 scientific papers and 16 conference contributions. 2 papers are in preparation. About 25 training activities were attended by ESRs in WP5.
One PhD thesis has been defended, the other is scheduled in spring 2024.
The work of ESR5 serves as the basis for current bridge funding applications aimed at entrepreneurship-focused post-doctoral training. ESR5 currently pursues a postdoc at ETHZ.
