Novel interconnected porous piezoelectric ceramic-bioactive glass composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering – Fabrication and experimental characterization

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. Aldo Boccaccini; Dr. Abdullah Riaz
• Subject Area: Biomaterials ; Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials ; Materials in Sintering Processes and Generative Manufacturing Processes
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 556715019

This project aims to create new, interconnected porous nanocrystalline potassium sodium niobate piezoelectric ceramics combined with amorphous pure and copper-doped silicate bioactive glasses (BGs) for treating bone defects more effectively than current methods. The primary objective is to achieve sufficient piezoelectric properties in interconnected porous biomaterials with enhanced bioactivity. The piezoelectricity will stimulate bone cells, while the bioactivity will improve cell-material interactions within the porous channels of the scaffold, promoting bone growth (osteogenesis). To accomplish this, several strategies will be employed. These include using suitable piezoelectric and bioactive materials with various compositions, refining the sintering process to prevent unwanted thermal treatments that reduce the bioactivity of BG, and optimizing the particle sizes of the powders. Field-Assisted Sintering Technology/Spark Plasma Sintering (FAST/SPS) will be crucial in developing these scaffolds, as the sintering conditions achieved by FAST/SPS are unattainable with conventional sintering methods. This will help maintain the amorphous phase of BGs, ensuring both piezoelectricity and bioactivity. The fabricated composite scaffolds will undergo detailed physical and biological characterization. The biological studies will focus on understanding cell-material interactions.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Ireland
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr.-Ing. Hermann Seitz
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Brian Rodriguez