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Important results from the project

The goal of the project was to evaluate the possibilities to 3D-print a composite containing cellulose and silk with properties as good as or better than either material by itself in order to use it as a potential implant material. Results showed that custom-tailored cellulose-based 3D-printed implants can be made and that the function-bearing protein can be adsorbed onto the material. The outlook for developing the material in implant applications is good.

Expected long term effects

The material (CPLA) had better tensile strength and stiffness than PLA while CPLA deformed faster under compression and had half the impact strength as PLA. The cellulose fibre particle size decreased under extrusion but no effect of this decrease could be shown. Different protein types were successfully adsorbed onto the CPLA material. Based on the results obtained and the stakeholders that were identified and interviewed, the conditions are good for a broader development project to produce an implant proof-of-concept.

Approach and implementation

The work was divided into an experimental part that included 3D-printing and material development part that included testing and evaluation. A 3D-printed demonstrator in the form of a mandible made of cellulose and PLA was produced. The material properties and the production process were evaluated as well as silk protein adsorption. In addition, stakeholders in the implant value chain were identified and interviewed as part of the development.