Bone defect repair is a challenging clinical problem in musculoskeletal system, especially in orthopedic disorders such as steroid associated osteonecrosis (SAON). Magnesium (Mg) as a biodegradable metal with properly mechanical properties has been investigating for a long history. In this study, Mg powder, poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) were the elements to formulate a novel porous PLGA/TCP/Mg (PTM) scaffolds using low temperature rapid prototyping (LT-RP) technology. The physical characterization of PTM scaffold and Mg ions release were analyzed in vitro. The osteogenic and angiogenic properties of PTM scaffolds, as well as the biosafety after implantation were assessed in an established SAON rabbit model. Our results showed that the PTM scaffold possessed well-designed bio-mimic structure and improved mechanical properties. PTM scaffolds are promising composite biomaterials for repairing challenging bone defect that would have great potential for its clinical translation.

Topic title: Functional biomedical materials for Repairing challenging bone defect

Abstract:

Prof. Yuxiao Lai now is the professor and vice director of The Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering (IBHE), Executive Director of the Centre for Translational Medicine Research and Development(TMC), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences (SIAT). She is also the Honorary visiting scientist of AO Research Institute Davos. Prof. Lai is mainly engaged in the R&D of orthopaedic biomaterials. She leaded TMC integrates medicine, life science, material science, imaging and mechanics, and focuses on the translational research at technology and products for the clinical application in orthopaedics. Prof. Lai has performed systematic studies in the basic research of biomaterials design and synthesis, the interaction between cells and materials, and built an integrated technology platform of bone repair materials design, manufacturing, evaluation, and clinical transformation. Her studies have been published more than 70 peer review paper in international authoritative journals such as Nature Communication Advanced Materials, Advanced Functional Materials, Biomaterials and ACS Nano, which have been cited more than 3000 times. Prof. Yuxiao Lai also a member of a number of the journal editorial boards, including Biofabrication (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1758-5090), Journal of Orthopaedic Translation (http://www.e-jot.com) , and Ambassador to Southern China of eCM Journal (Eur Cell Mater) (https://www.ecmjournal.org/editors.html). Dr. Lai has published extensively in the journal Biomaterials and is also a frequent contributor to the review process of the journal.

By cooperating with hospitals and enterprises in related fields, taking advantage of multi-disciplines during the joint studies, Prof. Lai’s team is keeping exploring new strategies and technologies for bone repair and translating the research outcomes into clinical application. As the first inventor of the patents "Bone Repair Materials and the Production Technologies" and "Bone Repair Materials and the Production Methods", Prof. Lai jointly built up the high-tech enterprise Moreover, Prof. Lai jointly established the " CAS – Jingcheng Biotech Ltd. as the technical shareholder, and the technological innovation has been translated into clinical trials in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital (3A level). The personalized bone repair products developed by Prof. Lai’s team won the Innovation Award of China Industry-University-Research Cooperation, the silver Award of International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, the Excellent Product Award of China International High-tech Achievements Fair for 3 consecutive years, and the gold medal of International Inventors League Invention World Cup.