Research on ionic substitutions in calcium phosphate (CaP) materials has shown significant improvements in bone tissue engineering applications. Scaffolds based on multi-substituted CaP scaffolds, incorporating ions like Sr2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, SeO32−, and chitosan, exhibit high porosity, stability, and enhanced osteogenic potential. In addition, biomimetic CaP powders substituted with antibacterial ions demonstrate improved physico-chemical properties, non-cytotoxicity, and antibacterial activity against clinical isolates of multi-drug resistant bacterias.

At the moment, Dr. Antonia Ressler is investigating 3D-printable CaP scaffolds multi-substituted with ions crucial for bone regeneration under AffordBoneS and GlassBoneS project. Using stereolithography, these scaffolds are fabricated for bone augmentation procedures in collaboration with company Lithoz GmbH. The AffordBoneS and GlassBoneS projects aims to develop affordable, customizable solutions for maxillofacial bone augmentation, essential for dental implants. By enhancing access to essential healthcare services, the project addresses the needs of approximately 1.5 million augmentation procedures annually in Europe.

Dr. Ressler will present a comprehensive overview of her decade-long research on biomimetic scaffolds, highlighting current trends and addressing the key challenges that need to be overcome in the field.