Jawbone regeneration is a major challenge in dentistry and oral surgery, particularly in cases of bone loss due to trauma, infection, or degenerative disease. Biomaterials used in bone tissue engineering must meet criteria of biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and mechanical properties compatible with natural bone structure.
The Role of Bioceramics in Jawbone Regeneration
Bioceramics, particularly hydroxyapatite (HA), have long been used in bone tissue engineering because of their similarity to the natural mineral component of bone. However, one of the main challenges is their tendency to develop microcracks during fabrication and drying, which can compromise the structural and functional integrity of the bone scaffold.
Recent Innovation: Crack-Resistant Biomaterials
Research from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) conducted by Ir. Muhammad Kusumawan Herliansyah, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., Prof. Ir. Alva Edy Tontowi, M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., Dr. drg. Maria Goreti Widiastuti, Sp.BM(K), and Nurbaiti, S.T., M.T. has developed an innovation in producing crack-resistant biomaterials for bone tissue engineering. The experiment used extrusion-based 3D bioprinting with an optimal composition of 70% HA, 15% collagen, and 15% nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC). The results showed no cracks after the drying process, indicating successful improvement in the material’s mechanical resistance.
Clinical Implications
By integrating collagen and NCC into the HA composite, the material not only mimics the natural mineral composition of bone but also enhances flexibility and resistance to cracking. This allows precise reconstruction of jawbone shape and function, which is critical in reconstructive surgery and dental implant procedures.
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This innovation in crack-resistant biomaterials opens new opportunities in bone tissue engineering, particularly in jawbone structural repair. Continued development and optimization of this material are expected to improve surgical outcomes and patient quality of life.
References
Ir. Muhammad Kusumawan Herliansyah, S.T., M.T.,Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., Prof. Ir. Alva Edy Tontowi, M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., Dr. drg. Maria Goreti Widiastuti, Sp.BM(K), Nurbaiti, S.T., M.T., Peneliti UGM Kembangkan Inovasi Biomaterial Tahan Retak untuk Rekayasa Tulang, https://ugm.ac.id/id/berita/peneliti-ugm-kembangkan-inovasi-biomaterial-tahan-retak-untuk-rekayasa-tulang/
Author: Rizky B. Hendrawan | Photo: Freepik
