Natural medicinal compounds coated porous ceramic scaffolds to enhance bone healing

Abstract

Researchers at WSU have produced a 3D printing curcumin coated porous tricalcium phosphate scaffolds enhanced bone formation for faster healing.

Curcumin, derived from the rhizomes of the turmeric plant, regulates the expression of genes involved in metastasis, cell proliferation, angiogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. However, its poor bioavailability and rapid rate of metabolism restrains its application in practical studies. Calcium phosphate ceramics have been used extensively for bone tissue engineering. Fabrication of calcium phosphate scaffolds with complex architectural features by conventional methods is very grueling because of the difficulties associated with accurate control of the pore size, shape and interconnectivity.

This technology solved problems mentioned above by employing 3D printing technology to fabricate curcumin coated porous tricalcium phosphate scaffolds, which proved to enhance bone formation after 6 weeks compared to control TCP scaffolds.

Applications and Advantages

• Fabrication of curcumin coated calcium phosphate scaffold with 3D printing

• Controlled release of curcumin

• Versatile, capable of incorporating other natural medicinal compounds

IP Status

US Patent Application Filed