InterLynk scientists from the Department of Materials and Ceramic Engineering (DEMaC) - University of Aveiro made significant contributions to the field at this year's European Ceramics Society (ECerS) conference held in Lyon, which took place from July 2nd to 6th. The researchers, Susana Olhero and Paula Torres, presented their latest findings during the symposium "Bioceramics, composites and bioactive glasses for healthcare," focusing on their InterLynk-related research.

Bone regeneration is a complex process that relies on the use of compatible biomaterials and various physiological mechanisms. Calcium phosphate (CaP)-based bioceramics have shown great potential in bone tissue engineering due to their close resemblance to the inorganic component of human bone. Among these biomaterials, self-setting CaP stands out for its ability to be moldable. Furthermore, they can be injected into specific areas or used as inks in extrusion-based additive manufacturing techniques. In addition, incorporating platelet lysates (protein-derived growth factors known to enhance cell growth and proliferation) into the biomaterials could be a promising way to improve their bioactivity. Our InterLynk research team investigates the use of these innovative biomaterials for additive manufacturing techniques, in which an ink filament is extruded from a nozzle (< 450 μm), forming an object layer by layer. The so-called ink needs to be able to flow through a fine deposition nozzle and then “set” immediately to facilitate the retention of the shape of the extruded filaments. Our research team has shown that it is indeed possible to successfully integrate platelet lysates into the CaP-based self-setting inks. 

In the InterLynk project we are aiming to 3D print personalized multi-material medical scaffolds based on innovative inks for the regeneration of complicated multi-tissue musculoskeletal defects. At this stage, our researchers from the UAVR are carrying out experiments printing scaffolds with inks containing different biomaterials at varying degrees and understanding how these mixtures affect the properties of the final product.

Participating in the ECerS conference provided a valuable opportunity for InterLynk scientists to showcase their research and exchange knowledge with colleagues from across Europe. The conference, held biennially since 1989 in one of the member countries of the European Ceramics Society, has become a significant meeting point for industrial and academic exhibitors, SMEs, scientific societies, and academic audiences. The event fosters collaboration and serves as a platform for sharing innovative ideas and advancements in the field of bioceramics.