Moscow Polytech Scientist Awarded Grant to Develop Bioresorbable Polymer Materials for Surgical Medicine

Ilya Vasiliev, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Printing and Publishing, has won the "Alpha-Budushchee. Grants for Educators" program (“Alpha-Future”). The young scientist has been awarded 250 000 rubles to carry out a research project focused on developing functional bioresorbable polymer materials.

According to Ilya Vasiliev, his particular scientific and practical interest lies in creating and investigating the properties of bioresorbable polymer compositions based on biodegradable polylactide filled with polyesters and/or antimicrobial additives.

In surgery, various metal constructs are used to fix mandibular fractures and restore facial bones. While effective, they have a significant drawback: the stress shielding effect. Due to the high mechanical load of these constructs on bones, there is a risk of secondary fractures. This underscores the growing relevance of using polymer materials positioned as bioresorbable alternatives in surgical medicine.

Ilya Vasiliev notes that scientists worldwide are developing bioresorbable implants, multifunctional antimicrobial polymer films, polymers for orthodontics, and other biocompatible devices that could replace metal constructs. These products are most commonly fabricated from polylactide (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL). Research in this field is also underway in Russia.

However, polylactide is characterized by high rigidity and low deformability. To address this, polycaprolactone - which exhibits high deformability - is introduced into the polylactide matrix. The interaction between polylactide and polycaprolactone helps balance their deformation and strength properties. Polycaprolactone is also often used on its own and/or modified with antimicrobial fillers.

"It is important to note," emphasizes Ilya Vasiliev, "that the Young's modulus (elastic modulus — Editor's note) of polylactide positioned as a bioresorbable implant is practically comparable to that of bone tissue (isoelectricity), while the biodegradable matrix stimulates the growth of new regenerative cells at the implant site (scaffold). This makes complete recovery of damaged bone possible."

The young scientist's project is specifically aimed at developing bioresorbable polymers for surgical medicine. These materials could be placed at facial bone fracture sites to ensure effective bone restoration.