Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/S78254/01
Title:	Aluminium-Free Glass-Ionomer Bone Cements (BIOCEM)
Principal Investigator:	Hatton, Professor PV
Other Investigators:	Nicholson, Professor J Brook, Professor I Reaney, Professor IM
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Corinthian Surgical Ltd
Department:	Clinical Dentistry
Organisation:	University of Sheffield
Scheme:	Faraday (PreFEC)
Starts:	01 March 2004	Ends:	31 October 2006	Value (£):	105,561
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Biomaterials
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Healthcare
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
Glass-ionomer cements (GICs) have been used in dentistry for over 30 years. More recently, a GIC bone cement called SerenoCem has been produced for use in otorhinolaryngology (ENT surgery). White relatively successful, its clinical application has been limited by fears regarding biocompatibility. These fears have arisen specifically because conventional GICs like SerenoCem leach aluminium ions that are associated with neurotoxicity and mineralisation defects in bone. In addition, SerenoCem lacks additional desirable properties including a distinctive colour and radiopacity. The aim of this research project is therefore to produce a biocompatible, aluminium-free GIC bone cement that is both radiopaque and a different colour to bone tissue. Such a biomaterial would provide more effective and efficeous patient care by enabling the production of a robust medical device. Improved biocompatibility will be achieved by the complete substitution of aluminium with iron (Fe3+) in the parent glass, and radiopacity will be increased by substitution of calcium with strontium. The project requires a multidisciplinary group drawn from academia and the biomaterials industry. Novel glasses and there resulting cements will be produced at the University of Sheffield, where these materials will also undergo an in vitro evaluation of their biocompatiblity. The later studies will be related to ion release data provided by the University of Greenwich, who will also confirm that the new bone cements are indeed aluminium-free. Additional support and expertise will be provided by an industrial partner, Corinthian Medical. Corinthian are an SME who lack internal research capability but have extensive experience in the field of ENT surgery. They will contribute financial support, materials and key expertise to the project. On completion, this project will deliver a prototype aluminium-free GIC bone cement and supporting data. The latter will be used in support of an application for CE marking by Corinthian Surgical. The FIR related to this new biomaterial is protected by an international patent application.
Key Findings
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Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.shef.ac.uk