9 December 2011 – Stoke-on-Trent, UK - Ceram, the materials technology consultancy, is pleased to announce that it has developed a new range of Hydroxyapatite (HA) biomaterials. By substituting different elements into HA to change its basic chemical whilst retaining its valuable physical structure, Ceram has been able to produce a range of biomaterials, multi-elements-substituted Hydroxyapatites (mx-HA), with different biological properties to extend the medical applications that HA can be used for and other potential applications not explored yet.
Although Hydroxyapatite has been widely used in the medical sector, it has had limited applications because of its fixed chemistry. Ceram’s innovative technology has allowed different species, such as zinc and sulphate, to be substituted in conjunction into the HA crystal. The possibilities for this technology are endless; from the development of coatings which are both antimicrobial and osteo-promotive to bone cements that can have both a heightened bioactivity and modified structural characteristics (be that toughness, solubility, porosity or surface charge)
Ceram has filed for IP and is currently looking for biologics, medical devices and dental manufacturers to work with to develop bespoke HA based materials for bespoke applications. Ceram would also welcome additional collaboration with research institutes and academia to explore the new series of HA-based materials to find new applications.