BioImplant ITN · European Training Network to develop Improved Bioresorbable Materials for Orthopaedic and Vascular Implant Applications

European Training Network to develop Improved Bioresorbable Materials for Orthopaedic andVascular Implant Applications

BioImplant Innovative Training Network (ITN) is a European Industrial Doctorate (EID) programme that is providing world-class multidisciplinary skills to 12 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) through an integrated research & training programme in the area of bioabsorbable medical implant development. Bioabsorbable materials are a category of biomaterial that gradually degrade when implanted in a biological environment. They have the potential to form the basis for the next-generation of vascular and orthopaedic medical implants as they can reduce the need for revision surgeries and avoid biocompatibility issues associated with conventional permanent implants. However, several issues relating to poor mechanical properties and/or uncontrollable degradation behaviour of current materials has presented significant technical challenges to the medical device sector. Furthermore, the stringent regulatory requirements associated with a “step-change” technology in the industry has formed a barrier to innovation in the field of bioabsorbables. The programme vision of the BioImplant ITN is to develop improved bioabsorbable materials for medical implant applications and deliver technical, interdisciplinary and transferrable skills training to the ESRs throughout all stages of the development process. The multidisciplinary training programme delivered to ESRs during the BioImplant ITN programme will enhance career development and employability, promoting their development into leading innovators in the European Medical Technology sector. The training objectives of BioImplant ITN are centred on upskilling the ESRs in core technical skills across all elements of the Supply Value Chain, delivering advanced technical skills through industry-led network-wide training events, providing key transferable and interdisciplinary skills, as well as promoting international mobility of ESRs through inter-sectoral secondments. The scientific objective of the BioImplant ITN is to develop and implement improved bioabsorbable materials for vascular and orthopaedic implant applications, by focussing on key areas such as enhancing the mechanical properties of polymer-based bioabsorbable material, controlling degradation rates of magnesium-based bioabsorbable materials and developing novel metal- and ceramic-based polymer composite bioabsorbables. The development of these innovative biomaterials will represent a major advancement on the current state-of-the-art in bioresorbable materials and maximise commercial potential in vascular and orthopaedic applications.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union