Artificial bones: a natural success
Synthetic bones with innovative properties for patients who need a dental implant or those who have undergone surgery for a bone tumor—this is the promise of Habib Belaid’s research, which was recognized with the University of Montpellier’s Innovation Award.
Habib Belaid, a postdoctoral researcher atthe European Membrane Institute in the “DM3” department, is the recipient of the 2021–2022 Innovation Award for the Chemistry Division. This award recognizes his original work in the field of the synthesis and characterization of biomaterials for healthcare applications. Biomaterials?“These are polymer-based composite materials capable of repairing or replacing tissue ,” explains the researcher.
These materials have the unique ability to be 3D-printed, which opens up innovative possibilities, particularly in the field of healthcare. “This polymer is being developed as a bone substitute,” explains the researcher. Artificial bone that could be used, for example, in orthopedics and oncology.
Filling bone defects
When a patient has a bone tumor, it must be resected—that is, the tumor must be removed—which leaves a “void” in the bone. This is where Habib Belaid’s work offers a minor revolution.“To fill this bone defect, the surgeon performs a CT scan of the bone to accurately model its morphology. Then, the missing portion of the bone can be precisely 3D-printed to fill the defect.”
This synthetic bone does more than simply replace the original tissue; it also has specific properties that can promote healing.“When synthesizing biomaterials, an active ingredient can be added; for example, the one used in oncology has an antitumor effect that reduces the risk of recurrence.”
This smart polymer also boosts bone regeneration before being absorbed, allowing the naturally regenerated bone to take its rightful place—a minor revolution for both doctors and patients, who will, however, have to wait a little longer before they can benefit from it. “The project is in the pre-development phase with CNRS Innovation; we plan to launch the first clinical trials within the next 5 to 6 years.”
Customize each fabric
“My core expertise lies in formulating 3D-printed biomaterials to customize each bone tissue,”explains the researcher. Habib Belaid also applies this expertise in formulating functionalized biomaterials to the field of dentistry. “We met with dental surgeons who explained to us that sometimes, following a tooth extraction, the patient cannot receive a dental implant or prosthesis due to a deficiency in the jawbone.”
Just as in orthopedics, the dental surgeon will scan the patient’s jaw to create a model that will enable the 3D printing of artificial bone to serve as a foundation for the implants.“Here too, the polymers are functionalized; they possess antibacterial properties that help reduce the risk of infection following the procedure. “We are currently filing a patent for the formulation,” explains Habib Belaid. To advance this research, the researcher has also planned to launch the startup “NEXTMAT 3D.” Preclinical trials are already underway, and clinical trials on patients are expected to begin within the next two to three years.