KANPUR: In yet another benchmark attained in the field of healthcare, IIT Kanpur has transferred a bone regeneration technology to Ortho Regenics Private Limited.
Titled "Nano-hydroxyapatite-based porous polymer composite scaffolds for bioactive molecule delivery in musculoskeletal regeneration", the technology has been developed by Prof Ashok Kumar and Arun Kumar Teotia of the department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering at IIT Kanpur.
The technology licensing agreement was formally signed between IITKanpur and Ortho Regenics Private Limited on Monday.
The invention can act as a carrier for bone active biomolecules, delivering them directly at the implant site. The novel material is biodegradable and has osteoinductive (bone healing process) and osteopromotive (material for new bone growth) properties for bone regeneration. They are highly biocompatible resulting in good cell material interaction with osteoblast cells (cells responsible for mineralization of bone during bone formation and bone remodelling), exhibiting a high mechanical strength and interaction between the polymer network and the solvent, said Prof Ashok Kumar.
“These functionalized porous composite scaffolds can be used as fillers in large size bone defects, without compromising the connectivity and structural defects, oxygen and blood circulation thereby enhancing tissue formation, mineralization, and rapid defect healing. It can also be used as a bone substitute, overcoming autograft (the transplantation of tissue from one location to another in the same individual) limitations”, he further said.
Although there are several existing remedies for bone regeneration, they usually pose the risk of infection and immune-related complications. This technology provides a collagen-nano-hydroxyapatite composite macroporous gel, which is a potential approach for reconstruction of irregular bone defects and dental applications as well. Hence, the primary objective of this invention is to overcome the drawbacks of alternative remedies.
The MoU exchange ceremony was attended by the faculty of the institute and directors of Ortho Regenics.
