Rosatom scientists begin 3D printing custom titanium implants

Scientists from "GK Rosatom" have started producing custom titanium implants for maxillofacial surgery on a 3D printer. In the future, they plan to mass-produce implants with a biocompatible coating for traumatology and orthopedics, as well as grow organs from living cells using a bioprinter.

The laboratory was opened a year ago at the scientific and production center of medical devices of the Troitsk Institute for Innovation and Fusion Research (TRINITI). During this time, they have mastered the full cycle of production of individual titanium implants, which have already been installed in five patients. The first of these implants was installed in the fall of 2023.

Two 3D printers for the laboratory were produced by TsNIITMASH. Printing is carried out from pure titanium and titanium alloy.

An individual implant is produced in seven days. The process includes modeling and design, printing, heat treatment, post-processing, quality control, sterilization and packaging. The production is almost waste-free, since the powder remaining after printing is collected, dried and sieved for reuse.

TRINITI scientists are developing implants with a two-layer biocompatible coating to prevent rejection and improve osseointegration. The superficial bioresorbable layer stimulates the process of mineralization and fusion of the implant with the bone, and the remaining layer supports further bone growth. The coating uses silicon and magnesium, which contribute to faster bone formation.

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