Development of osseointegrative implants with drug delivery function for medical technology

Abstract: Successful orthopaedic implant systems must restore the physical function of the affected joint or bone and promote bone regeneration. They must therefore have properties that come as close as possible to natural bone, i.e. have adapted mechanical and biocompatible behaviour. In addition to maintaining the physical functions, the patient-specific customisation of implants is playing an increasingly important role. Additive manufacturing processes offer an excellent starting point for this due to their high degree of design freedom. The integration of a drug delivery system using a modified bioprinting process supplements the customised implant with an antibacterial and bioactive component to prevent postoperative infections and promote bone growth.