3D-shaping of biodegradable photopolymers for hard tissue replacement

Continuously increasing life expectancy results in a rising number of bone diseases and fractures. Replacements from natural sources are not only limited in their availability, they also have some serious disadvantages such as possible immunological reactions or transmission of diseases. New synthetic biodegradable materials based on photopolymers could be an alternative solution. In these investigations an acrylate-based monomer formulation has been developed, consisting of a biodegradable basis monomer which is derived from gelatin, different reactive diluents, an appropriate photoinitiator and filler materials. For the three-dimensional shaping process stereolithography is the method of choice because of its capability to produce cellular structures with high resolutions. # 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.