Is the bone implant of the future a hydrogel?
ETH Zurich researchers developed a 97%‑water PVA hydrogel that can be microfabricated by two‑photon laser polymerization using a new macrothiol crosslinker. The material can be patterned at ~500 nm resolution and record writing speeds of 400 mm s−1, supports osteogenic cell colonization and collagen formation in vitro, is patented, and will advance to animal tests with AO Research Institute Davos.
Why it mattersTwo-photon microfabrication at 400 mm s−1 enables rapid, high-resolution implant fabrication; anticipate shorter preclinical timelines.
Entities Mentioned
ETH ZurichAO Research Institute Davos