MedScan3D announce industrial partnership with BioImplant ITN

3D Technology Ltd., along with sister company MedScan3D, are delighted to announce an exciting partnership with BioImplant ITN, the European Industrial Doctorate (EID) programme.

3D Technology Ltd. and MedScan3D are leaders in a range of additive manufacturing disciplines including the provision of industrial & production 3D printers, patient specific anatomical models, patient specific testing rigs and have a number of in-house CAD designers. This innovative new partnership will see the company assist the programme with the research of improved bioabsorbable materials for medical implant applications.

BioImplant Innovative Training Network (ITN) is a European Industrial Doctorate (EID) programme that provides world-class multidisciplinary skills to 12 Early-Stage Researchers through an integrated research & training programme in the area of bioabsorbable medical implant development. 

Commenting on the new partnership, 3D Technology founder James Wall is looking forward to a fruitful collaboration. “BioImplant ITN is a world renowned programme featuring some of the brightest young minds in the area of bioabsorbable medical implants. This particular field of research promises some really exciting next-generation products, and the programme aligns well with our own work in the areas of 3D printing and anatomical models focused on the medical sector.”

Bioabsorbable materials are a category of biomaterial that gradually degrade when implanted in a biological environment. They have the potential to form the basis for future vascular and orthopaedic medical implants as they can reduce the need for revision surgeries and avoid biocompatibility issues associated with conventional permanent implants. However, several issues relating to poor mechanical properties and/or uncontrollable degradation behaviour of current materials has presented significant technical challenges to the medical device sector. Furthermore, the stringent regulatory requirements associated with a “step-change” technology in the industry has formed a barrier to innovation in the field of bioabsorbables.

According to MedScan3D Technical Director Jacqui O’Connor, having a BioImplant ITN researcher on placement with the company is a key part of the partnership. “As part of the programme, we are delighted to welcome Cillian Thompson to the company as he develops his research project titled “Development of a 3D Printed Bioabsorbable Composite Material for Orthopaedic Applications.” It’s a fascinating subject and we’re really looking forward to reading Cillian’s research once he is complete.”

As a 23 year old Galway native, Thompson himself has already achieved a Bachelors and Masters degree in biomedical engineering and is looking forward to the next chapter of his education. “My motivation for joining BioImplant was to further my knowledge in the area of materials, but also to be part of a project with the capability of changing biomedical engineering for the better. I was fortunate enough to have been selected to take part in the BioImplant project which offers not only academic expertise but also a brilliant industrial experience component in various countries in Europe. After this project I hope to acquire an important role in research and development in the orthopaedics industry.”

For further information on 3D Technology Ltd. and MedScan3D please visit www.3DTechnology.ie and www.MedScan3D.ie respectively.

For further information on BioImplant ITN please visit https://bioimplantitn.eu/