Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/L92266/01
Title:	DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURE OF BIODEGRADABLE COMPOSITES FOR SURGICAL RECONSTRUCTION OF THE FACE AND SKULL
Principal Investigator:	Jones, Dr IA
Other Investigators:	Scotchford, Dr CA Campbell, Professor RI Fisher, Mrs S Rudd, Professor CD
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Ellis Developments Ltd Solvay Interox Limited (UK)
Department:	Sch of Mech Materials Manuf Eng Mgt
Organisation:	University of Nottingham
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 May 1998	Ends:	31 July 2001	Value (£):	319,977
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Biomaterials
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Healthcare
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
There is currently no successful bioactive material for reconstructive surgery of the bone in the face and skull. The proposed research will satisfy this need by developing a compsite material for cranial and maxillofacial implants in which slowly degrading fibres will be incorporated into a more rapidly degrading matrix of polycaprolactone. This will permit structural integrity to be maintained as bone regrowth and formation around the fibres occurs simultaneously with bone bonding and resorption of the matrix. Using a variant of resin transfer moulding the caprolatone monomer will be polymerised in-situ in a mould continuing a preform of dry fibre reinforcement (phosphate fibres, PLA,PGA or Bioglass). This technique has been successfully demonstrated during a pilot study. CT or MRI scan data will be used in conjunction with rapid prototyping techniques (stereolithography and metal spray) to create the moulds in order to tailor the implant to match the patient's good side. The novelty of the work will include the development of a fully-biodegradable long fibre composite, the polymerisation of a thermoplastic within a closed mould and the integration of a novel combination of scientific, medical and engineering disciplines to provide the solution to a long-standing surgical problem.
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Organisation Website:	http://www.nottingham.ac.uk