Division of Bioceramics

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About the Division

The Division of Bioceramics of the Biomedical Technology Wing, SCTIMST, had been established in 1994 as a dedicated laboratory aiming at the indigenous development of bioceramic materials for bone graft applications.

The research area of Bioceramics mainly focuses on providing material solutions for bone defect repair. Bioceramics research originated globally during the mid-1970s when techniques were devised for converting synthetic hydroxyapatite (the bone mineral) to porous ceramic form suitable for bone defect filling in orthopedic surgery. Hydroxyapatite ceramics were proved to get resorbed physiologically and help the healing of the host bone in the natural way. Osteoconductive compounds containing silicate and calcium minerals, better known as ‘bioactive glasses’, were invented subsequently. Bioactive glasses became popular, as they had improved resorption and healing properties. Next generation materials for bone graft substitute were self-setting bioactive bone cements and mouldable polymer-bioceramic composites. The research and development activities in Bioceramics area generated a wide range of graft substitute products useful in managing bone defects arising out of trauma, cysts and tumors. Of recent, scientists are engaged in the development of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

The Division of Bioceramics has developed indigenously the know-how of making hydroxyapatite ceramics, novel bioactive glass, various bioactive composites and calcium phosphate based bone cements. These were made into different shapes, forms and formulations according to the surgeons’ requirement and proven clinically. The R&D activities in the division has realised a series of bone graft substitute products in Indian market, complying with International standards. Basic research on novel bone graft materials and R&D programs on new products are ongoing.

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