The project titled “Development of a New Method Based on Topology Optimization for Biodegradable Implant Design and Design, Analysis and Production of Biodegradable Membrane as an Alternative to Ti-mesh”, in which Erzurum Technical University (ETU) Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Department of Mechanical Engineering faculty member Prof. Dr. Irfan Kaymaz is the executive, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ismail Hakki Korkmaz and Ataturk University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontics faculty member Dr. Lecturer Didem Ozkal Eminoglu is the researcher, has been awarded support within the scope of TUBITAK 1001 Scientific and Technological Research Projects Support Program.

The project, which was implemented in cooperation with ETU and Ataturk University, aims to develop a new topology optimization-based method to increase the use of biodegradable materials in implant designs and to reduce the disadvantages of Titanium-mesh structures, which are increasingly preferred in clinical applications.

Sharing details about the project that has been granted support by TUBITAK for 24 months, Prof. Dr. Kaymaz said, “A new mesh structure that has the potential to degrade in the body over time and thus can self-destruct without the need for secondary surgeries will be designed, produced with a 3D printer and subjected to in-vitro tests. With our project, we aim to increase the comfort of patients who cannot be implanted due to insufficient bone volume and to provide significant economic advantages by producing a lower-cost implant compared to implants produced with 3D additive manufacturing using Ti6Al4V material. We anticipate that the knowledge to be obtained with the design of biodegradable implants will open up wide areas of application not only in the maxillofacial field but also in orthopedic surgery.”

Corporate Communications Directorate, 11.09.2024