Bone graft customised according to the defect

The graft will be developed to match the shape of the bone and customised as per the defect.

The graft will be developed to match the shape of the bone and customised as per the defect.

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The researchers said that with this material or implant, the patient's functional strength will return in four weeks as opposed to eight weeks depending on the type of defect.

"Though the best material is another bone itself, it is not very desirable and there is an increased need for a substitute for natural bone," said Professor Jayesh Bellare, chemical engineering department.

The implant is ceramic made of synthetic calcium salt, identical to the calcium salt naturally present in the bone.

A polymer or plastic material that is biodegradable is combined with the ceramic into a nano powder so it integrates well with the existing bone cells in the body.

This mixture can then be made into granules, graft or even a sponge for compressibility.

The material will help the bone grow, providing the level of strength required during the healing process, which would, in turn, provide functionality.

"It has a rich source of calcium that will allow the body's bone to heal on its own. During the healing process, the material will get reabsorbed into bone calcium," Bellare said.