Investigators: Dr Priya Kalia, Dr Roger Brooks, Professor Neil Rushton
Stream: Research Fellowship
Topic: Biomaterials (HA)
Status: Live
Silicon has been shown to be essential for normal bone growth and development, and may increase markers of osteoblast-formation or differentiation (osteogenesis). Hydroxyapatite (HA) is the main mineral component of bone, and is currently used as a synthetic, plasma-sprayed, osteoconductive coating on orthopaedic and dental implants.The purpose of this Furlong Foundation-funded project is to attempt to modify HA-coatings to act as a drug-delivery device via the adsorption of silicon. Such a device may further improve the osteoconductive/osteoinductive properties of HA and stimulate bone formation in situations of poor bone stock or suppression of bone growth, such as after adjuvant chemotherapy or osteoporosis.
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