korean scientists have devised an unusual method of treating fractures. it's a prototype similar to a portable 3d printer. the core idea is to promote bone healing without the need for expensive and difficult-to-install metal implants.
a research team from sungkyunkwan university in south korea has invented a so-called "bone healing gun". unlike conventional 3d printers, it uses "bullets" made of biopolymers rather than plastic. this material melts at just 60°c and, when applied directly to the damaged area, forms a scaffold on which new tissue gradually grows.
the researchers used a mixture of polycaprolactone, a safe thermoplastic resin, and hydroxyapatite, a mineral that promotes bone growth. this combination maintains strength without overheating the tissue, firmly fixes the bone, and dissolves over time to form natural tissue.
preliminary experiments on rabbits showed that the animals recovered faster using this method than with conventional bone cement. however, there are still drawbacks. the material degrades too slowly to completely repair fractures. moreover, rabbits are too light to test on, and human healing conditions are more challenging.
