Creating a '3D glue gun' to regenerate bones during surgery

Korean scientists have developed a 3D bone-printing glue gun that helps regenerate bones during surgery, opening a new era in orthopedic surgery.

If clinical trials on humans are successful, the new Korean technology could replace many traditional bone grafting techniques that are time-consuming, costly and have the risk of complications - Photo: Unsplash

The research was led by a team of scientists at Sungkyunkwan University (South Korea), under the direction of Dr. Jung Seung Lee. Unlike traditional methods that require prior simulation with images, models or cutting and adjusting materials, the "bone printing glue gun" allows direct printing of a biological material with a bone-like structure right at the fracture site during surgery.

According to Dr. Lee, this technology "allows the creation of a bio-scaffold that conforms to each patient's anatomy, even with complex or irregular fractures, without the need for pre-imaging, modeling, or manual trimming."

In the study, the team of scientists used a mixture of polycaprolactone (PCL) and hydroxyapatite (HA) - two biological materials commonly used in medicine for bone regeneration.

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable biopolymer that acts as a scaffold. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a natural mineral with a composition similar to human bone structure, helping to increase bone integration and regeneration.

Using a low-melting-point extrusion method, the device can print and shape the material directly at the site of the broken bone without damaging the surrounding tissue. In addition, the research team also integrated antibiotics into the material, which significantly reduces the risk of post-operative infection.

In the testing phase, this technology has been applied to a severe bone fracture model in rabbits. The results showed a strong ability to regenerate new bone, helping the bone heal better and faster than traditional implant methods.

The team also optimized the mechanical strength, structural stability, and osteoconductivity of the material by adjusting the HA content and PCL molecular weight, the report said.

Experts say this "bone-imprinting glue gun" could open a new era in orthopedic surgery, especially useful for complex, difficult-to-shape fractures, large bone defects, or bone regeneration after trauma and tumor removal surgery.

While the initial results are promising, the researchers emphasize that the technology is still in its experimental phase. Widespread use in patients will require further long-term clinical studies to assess its efficacy, safety, and ability to restore function.

If successful, this could be a major breakthrough in the field of orthopedics, helping patients recover faster, reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life.

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MINH HAI

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tao-ra-sung-ban-keo-3d-tai-tao-xuong-ngay-trong-ca-mo-20250909104313704.htm