Project Ambition

BioImplant Innovative Training Network (ITN) is an ambitious European Industrial Doctorate programme that will provide world-class multidisciplinary training to 12 Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs) in the area of bioabsorbable medical implant development.

The research vision of the BioImplant ITN is to use an integrative approach that combines polymer-, metal- and ceramic-based bioabsorbable materials, to deliver functionally superior bioabsorbable materials with enhanced mechanical behaviour and controllable degradation profiles. The successful development of these materials has the potential to form the basis for the next-generation of medical implants.

 

Research Objectives

The scientific objective of the BioImplant ITN is to develop and implement improved bioabsorbable materials for vascular and orthopaedic implant applications. This next-generation of medical implants will be realised through technological innovation throughout the Supply Value Chain, including novel material development, advanced manufacturing technologies, robust characterisation and predictive capabilities and innovative application design. The specific research objectives of the BioImplant ITN are as follows:

1.Enhance the mechanical properties of polymer-based bioabsorbables through novel processing technologies.

2.Control degradation rates of magnesium-based bioabsorbable materials through innovative polymer and ceramic coating technologies.

3.Develop novel metal- and ceramic-based polymer composite bioabsorbables that exhibit superior mechanical properties to traditional polymers using advanced manufacturing technologies.

4.Predict degradation and long-term mechanical performance of implanted bioabsorbable devices using an integrated multiscale and multiphysics predictive modelling framework.

5.Design, prototype and functionally test a series of small- and large-scale bioabsorbable implants for vascular and orthopaedic applications.