In the event of severe fractures, human bones are normally supported with metallic additions, but RTU scientists are developing a material which is dissolves in the body after the bone heals.
“The main theme in my studies of recent years is amorphous calcium phosphate. It's a substance that occurs in our bones when we grow. Amorphous calcium phosphate is developed first and then transformed into a crystalline substance, which is the inorganic part of our bones,” explained the scientist.
Ločs is studying how amorphous calcium phosphate could be obtained in laboratory conditions. The materials created until now are very good, and in the future they could treat fractures of different bones.
Scientists predict that this will make it possible to replace metals, of which titan is currently the most popular in fracture treatment.
“It is often necessary, especially for young patients whose bones continue to grow, to remove these metal implants after bone healing. Implants lock the bone and prevent the bone from growing.
Our goal is to get mechanically resistant implants that would accomplish their mission for the first 2-3 months while the bone heals. Then they would break down naturally, disappear without the need to take them out,” Ločs said.
However, years of work are still needed until the material can be applied in medicine, said the scientist.
