Bio-Bones

Recreating bones and teeth from biomaterials

It may look and work and feel just like any other artificial hip joint, but it won't set off airport alarms.

A team of biology and chemistry academics at Victoria University has started work on a novel biomaterial substitute for bones and teeth.

Viclink hopes to commercialise the new materials for use in medicine (bone graft; artificial hip joints) and dentistry (new and false teeth; jaw bone strengthening). The project is led by Associate Professors Kate McGrath and Jonathan Gardner.

Current offerings for patients requiring hip replacements or dental fillings are typically metal implants, bioglass or advanced plastics, each of which has some recognised failings such as strength, durability, safety and cost.