Researchers at TU Wien, led by Stefan Baudis, are developing a light-curable bone adhesive that could offer new possibilities for treating complex fractures. The project highlights TU Wien’s contribution to the Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, connecting advanced materials science with regenerative medicine.
Treating complex bone fractures, particularly in the face and skull, can be challenging when bones break into numerous small fragments. Researchers at TU Wien are exploring an alternative to conventional fixation methods: specialised polymer-based adhesives that can reconnect fractured bone fragments. Led by Stefan Baudis from TU Wien’s Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, the research team has developed an adhesive inspired by light-curable materials used in dentistry. The material can be applied to fractured bone surfaces and hardened using light, creating a strong connection while aiming to remain compatible with living tissue.
The project also demonstrates the important contribution of TU Wien to the Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration. Through the Cluster, Baudis and his research group are part of an interdisciplinary network connecting polymer chemistry, biomaterials research, biology and clinical medicine. TU Wien contributes particular expertise in developing innovative materials that could support the body’s natural healing processes. This collaboration helps connect fundamental materials research with the biological and clinical challenges of regenerative medicine.
Initial laboratory investigations, including experiments with animal bone samples, have shown promising results. The findings have also been published in the scientific journal RSC Applied Polymers. Although further research is needed before clinical application becomes possible, the technology could eventually offer new treatment options for complicated fractures involving small bone fragments. The work of Stefan Baudis and his team illustrates how TU Wien’s materials science expertise, strengthened through the Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, can contribute to the development of future regenerative therapies.
Picture by: © Sarah Nistler, Stefan Baudis