Leitat has achieved significant progress in the development and validation of customized invasive medical devices within the framework of the Cervera DiMεD Network of Excellence. Thanks to this project, Leitat has developed new technological solutions that range from the design of advanced implants until preclinical validation.
These are the main results achieved:
New implants With improved materials and greater biological integration, Leitat has developed and validated osteochondral implants using metal additive manufacturing.
One of the key advances was the parameterization of new biocompatible alloys, optimizing the mechanical properties so that they better adapt to the real conditions of bone and cartilage.
Furthermore, the incorporation of advanced post-processing techniques and functional coatings has improved implant integration with tissue and enhanced cellular response. These developments have been validated through cytotoxicity assays in accordance with ISO 10993, ensuring biosafety.
More precise surgical guides and adapted for minimally invasive surgery. Leitat has designed and manufactured custom surgical guides and other non-invasive devices geared towards minimally invasive procedures.
The work included the optimization of sterilization and biological validation processes, ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements of the hospital environment.
New inkjet technology for printing devices with biocompatible hydrogelsThe project has enabled the development of a specific inkjet printing equipment for manufacturing medical devices with biocompatible hydrogels.
This technology facilitates the use of soft materials that better mimic the behavior of human tissues, opening up new possibilities in regenerative medicine and in the development of more realistic biological models for research.
Advanced bioprinting and models that simulate real tissues. Leitat has advanced in bioprinting through systems that combine light printing and drop-on-demand technology to generate complex tissue models.
These models allow the recreation of physiological microenvironments, the study of metabolic and vascular functions, and the acceleration of the development of new therapies in biomedical research and regenerative medicine, especially in complex tissues such as the liver and arteries.
Implants with cells and better results in regeneration. In the field of preclinical validation, Leitat has worked on surgical planning and in vivo validation of personalized 3D bioimplants.
The results showed a significant improvement in tissue regeneration when the implants incorporated live cells compared to those that did not. Simply put, the implants "loaded" with cells helped the body to regenerate damaged tissue more effectively.
These developments confirm the potential of advanced manufacturing and biofabrication to create medical solutions tailored to the specific characteristics of each patient, contributing to improved surgical precision, implant functionality, and patients' quality of life.
Certification of technological capabilities
One of the achievements obtained by Leitat within the framework of the project has been obtaining the UNE-EN ISO 13485:2018 certification, for the design of four types of sanitary products.
Furthermore, the project has helped to consolidate key infrastructures, methodologies and knowledge that will allow Leitat to continue driving the development of personalized medical devices in collaboration with companies, hospitals and other agents in the healthcare ecosystem
