Title : Sustainable antimicrobial composites for bone repair
Abstract:
Bone fractures are inevitable and can be caused by trauma, accidents, sickness, aging, or disability . In the absence of proper care, these can lead to morbidity, amputation/permanent disability, or mortality. Traditionally, bone repair has been achieved via use of metal devices made from stainless steel, titanium, and their alloys . These are non-biodegradable, are prone to infection and require second surgery to remove them . Current research trends are focusing on the development of polymer scaffolds, either as nanofibers , injectable hydrogels , or 3D printed scaffolds to tackle bone rejuvenation and repair . The requirements for the polymer composite of choice are that it must be nontoxic, biocompatible, biodegradable, hydrophilic, antimicrobial, and affordable. Although the concept is not new, most of the available technologies have been developed outside Africa and are still in their infant stages and the know-how (intellectual property) is usually protected through patents.
The proposed work seeks to develop polymer scaffolds based on polyvinyl pyrrolidone in the presence of biosynthesized hydroxyapatite, bioHAP , to mimic bone composition and facilitate bone regeneration . Plant seeds extract as natural antimicrobial agents will be added to prevent infection. The scaffolds will be prepared via electrospinning and 3D printing. Thermal, mechanical, cell viability and cell adhesion properties of the composites will be presented.
What will audience learn from your presentation?
- This presentation has the potential to expand the scope of bone repair scaffolds research to include natural extracts hence improve and impart antimicrobial activity.
- The current work hopes to synthesize cheaper bone repair scaffolds based on waste materials.
- This study will provide new information in relation to the use of selected plant/seed extracts in bone repair scaffolds.
