
Revolutionary Coral-Inspired Bone Graft Changes the Game for Bone Healing
**Swansea University** has unveiled a novel bone graft substitute that draws inspiration from the structure of coral, promising to revolutionize bone healing processes. The research, published in *Bioactive Materials*, utilizes advanced 3D-printing to replicate the porous structure and chemical composition of coral. This **biomimetic material** allows for rapid bone growth within 2-4 weeks and naturally dissolves after 6-12 months, ensuring complete integration with the patient's bone. Unlike traditional methods, which rely on autografts or allografts, this substitute eliminates risks like infection and ethical concerns, while being cost-effective and easy to produce. **In vivo studies** have shown the material's ability to fully repair bone defects and grow new cortical bone layers swiftly. Dr. Zhidao Xia from Swansea University Medical School highlights that this innovation bridges the gap between synthetic and donor bone materials, potentially transforming healthcare by lowering costs and increasing patient quality of life. The research team, collaborating with international partners, is now seeking to partner with healthcare organizations to bring this pioneering technology to the global market.