OsteoMag-3D

The OsteoMag-3D project is an international research collaboration between Malta and China, bringing together leading institutions to develop next-generation biodegradable magnesium-based scaffolds for bone regeneration. This initiative is jointly led by the University of Malta and Southeast University, with additional expertise from Mater Dei Hospital and Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, and is funded by Xjenza Malta and the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (MOST) under the SINO-MALTA Fund 2024. Focused on addressing the increasing demand for advanced bone repair solutions in aging populations, OsteoMag-3D aims to overcome the limitations of traditional permanent implants—such as the need for secondary removal surgeries and complications from stiffness mismatches. By leveraging innovative additive manufacturing techniques and advanced surface engineering, the project is developing load-bearing, porous magnesium scaffolds that not only promote natural bone regeneration but also safely degrade in the body. Key objectives include optimizing scaffold architecture for mechanical strength, controlling degradation rates through novel coating systems, and ensuring excellent biocompatibility. The project employs state-of-the-art testing methodologies, including bone-on-a-chip devices and mock implantation surgeries, to validate scaffold performance and surgical feasibility. OsteoMag-3D represents a significant step forward in personalized, biodegradable orthopaedic implants, offering safer and more effective solutions for bone repair with substantial societal impact for aging populations worldwide.