Additive manufacturing of bone scaffolds with antimicrobial properties (3D-BoneWhey)

3D-BoneWhey proposes a solution for two social problems: osteoporosis and antimicrobial resistance. This project thus aims to guarantee the lifelong health and well-being of people.

During the project we will develop a new composite material as osteogenic template (scaffold) for bone regeneration that combines:

• bone regeneration capacity
• high mechanical strength and
• antimicrobial capacity

Whey-derived carbon scaffolds for bone regeneration

The main innovation of 3D-BoneWhey project lies in:

• The proposed material. It is a new composite material made of a calcium phosphate, whey and a new inorganic antimicrobial glass. With this combination, it is expected to achieve a 3D structure with improved properties compared to commercially available alternatives.
• The consolidation temperature of the structure. A low sintering temperature (below 800 ºC) is required to consolidate the structure. This is of great environmental and economic benefit.
• The circular economy is favored with the use of whey, a by-product of cheese making, as raw material in the manufacture of the scaffolds.