By Monique Eze

In a significant advancement for medical implants, Dr. Francis Tobi Omigbodun of Loughborough University’s Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical, and Manufacturing Engineering has unveiled a revolutionary composite material designed for bone implant applications.

This breakthrough, achieved through his successful PhD defense, promises to reshape the landscape of biomedical engineering and enhance outcomes in bone reconstruction surgeries.

Dr. Omigbodun’s research focused on the development of PLA/cHAp/rGO composites—an innovative material that not only mimics but surpasses the mechanical properties of human bone.

By integrating Polylactic Acid (PLA), calcium hydroxyapatite (cHAp), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), he has created a biodegradable and bioactive solution that is mechanically robust and tailored for bone scaffolds.

“By merging engineering precision with biological functionality, we’ve created a material that addresses critical challenges in bone implants,” Dr. Omigbodun explained.

“The ability to customize mechanical properties and degradation rates ensures that these scaffolds adapt perfectly to individual patient needs.”

Central to this innovation is Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing (MEAM), a 3D printing technology that allows for the creation of intricate scaffolds.

By fabricating gyroid and Schwartz primitive lattice structures, the scaffolds exhibit exceptional strength, porosity, and biocompatibility—essential attributes for supporting blood flow and facilitating bone regeneration.

“3D printing allows us to design implants with precision and efficiency. We can now create scaffolds tailored to meet specific mechanical and biological demands, offering a patient-centric approach to bone repair,” Dr. Omigbodun noted.

The implications of this research extend far beyond orthopedics. This is a game-changer in tissue engineering as the integration of reduced graphene oxide not only enhances mechanical strength but also opens possibilities for electrical stimulation in bone healing.

It is also a combination of simulation and experimental validation that is a model for future biomaterial development. It accelerates innovation while conserving resources.

Dr. Omigbodun’s rigorous testing methods further validate his findings. Utilizing techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), he characterized the material’s structural and thermal properties.

His research demonstrated the ability to control degradation rates by adjusting rGO concentrations in simulated physiological environments—a critical feature for synchronized bone regeneration.

The mechanical testing results indicate that these composites closely emulate human cortical bone, making them suitable for load-bearing applications.
“This research lays a foundation for future innovations in biomaterials,” Dr. Omigbodun stated.

“By advancing the intersection of engineering and medicine, we can improve patient outcomes and set new standards in regenerative healthcare.”

With ongoing advancements in composite materials and 3D printing technologies, Dr. Omigbodun’s contributions are poised to influence various fields beyond orthopedics, including cartilage repair, dental implants, and prosthetics—ultimately benefiting patients in need of advanced medical solutions.