Rapid Prototyping of Compact Bone Osteons

School Name

Governor's School for Science & Mathematics

Grade Level

12th Grade

Presentation Topic

Engineering

Presentation Type

Mentored

Mentor

Mentor: Esmaiel Jabbari, University of South Carolina

Written Paper Award

1st Place

Abstract

In the United States alone, there are 6.3 million bone fractures per year. The healing process can take weeks and even months after surgery. Therefore, synthetic bone can be used as a replacement until recovery of the damaged bone. Compact bone is primarily made of osteons, and hydroxyapatite is a paste that mimics real bone material. The aim of this project was to fully develop a synthetic osteon prototype from hydroxyapatite that could be produced efficiently while still retaining the properties of a functional bone. This osteon model would have to be biocompatible and osteoconductive with high tensile strength. First, a model of an osteon had to be designed in Fusion 360 and sent to the 3D printer. This step was followed by synthesis of paste-like hydroxyapatite, which was press-injected into the osteon mold and burned off to leave just the intact osteon made of hydroxyapatite and subjected to various temperatures to determine the ideal combination for the best osteon. Results indicated that the best osteon was produced when the mold was subjected to 325°F for 1 hour, followed by 425°F for 2 hours, and 475°F for 1 hour. In the future, tests would have to be performed on the rapidly produced osteons in order to ensure their strength, and degradation rates, since the synthetic osteon is only supposed to last long enough to allow for the new bone to grow in its place.

Location

Wall 223

Start Date

3-25-2017 10:00 AM

Presentation Format

Oral and Written

Group Project

No

COinS
 
Mar 25th, 10:00 AM

Rapid Prototyping of Compact Bone Osteons

Wall 223

In the United States alone, there are 6.3 million bone fractures per year. The healing process can take weeks and even months after surgery. Therefore, synthetic bone can be used as a replacement until recovery of the damaged bone. Compact bone is primarily made of osteons, and hydroxyapatite is a paste that mimics real bone material. The aim of this project was to fully develop a synthetic osteon prototype from hydroxyapatite that could be produced efficiently while still retaining the properties of a functional bone. This osteon model would have to be biocompatible and osteoconductive with high tensile strength. First, a model of an osteon had to be designed in Fusion 360 and sent to the 3D printer. This step was followed by synthesis of paste-like hydroxyapatite, which was press-injected into the osteon mold and burned off to leave just the intact osteon made of hydroxyapatite and subjected to various temperatures to determine the ideal combination for the best osteon. Results indicated that the best osteon was produced when the mold was subjected to 325°F for 1 hour, followed by 425°F for 2 hours, and 475°F for 1 hour. In the future, tests would have to be performed on the rapidly produced osteons in order to ensure their strength, and degradation rates, since the synthetic osteon is only supposed to last long enough to allow for the new bone to grow in its place.