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This project is concerned with
development of synthetic calcium phosphate-based biomaterials for
medical applications. The anticipated outcome is technology to
produce new types of bioceramic implants for a number of
applications including orbital implants, anchoring of subcutaneous
devices for slow-release drugs, portals into the body and bone
substitutes. These devices can be tailor-made to the requirements
of the surgeons and would be superior in many respects to existing
imported material such as that derived from natural sea coral. New
and innovative ideas will be incorporated into the implant design
that will lead to an improved and cheaper local product, which
will also have good export potential.
The South African research team
will build on competence that they have gained in the synthesis
and processing of hydroxyapatite bioceramics. This material has
proved very successful as bone substitute in animal trials and is
now ready for new applications and clinical trials in humans.
Intellectual property has already been secured for some of the
bone substitute applications.
New technology will be developed
and implemented for forming and processing of special bioceramics
to improve the quality of life of many South Africans. |