BrainMap

Aura-Catalina Mocanu

Lecturer Dr.Eng. - UNIVERSITATEA NAȚIONALĂ DE ȘTIINȚĂ ȘI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREȘTI

Researcher | Teaching staff | Scientific reviewer

Web of Science ResearcherID: P-4585-2014

Expertise & keywords

Novel technology for implants manufacturing from 3D printable reinforced composite filaments for guided bone regeneration Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-1650 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.florinmiculescu.ro/bonegapfill/

Abstract:

Compared to the limited market of products destined for bone reconstructive surgery and the high-patient-risks of current approaches, this project is a necessity to solve the absence of 3D products with optimal geometry, internal architecture and mechanical properties for customized compatibility with natural bone and a rapid repair of defects with variable dimensions. The overall goal of the project is to develop and promote a new reproducible and sustainable manufacturing technology for the products fabrication by 3D printing, using as platform the previously implemented technology for the synthesis of hydroxyapatite derived from bovine bone biogenic resources and the project team`s experience in the field. Composite filaments with printable features will be obtained based on natural hydroxyapatite and two polymers, one of which will be of natural origin. Also, superior and adaptable mechanical characteristics will be ensured by reinforcing the ceramic matrix with multi-layer graphene-based materials. Further, the filaments will be used for 3D printing of products with regular and random internal architecture (based on a new STL file developed within the project). Afterwards, the products will be tested as to evaluate their performance as potential bone replacements. In this regard, a patent application will be filed. The proposed topic is new and challenging for the project team, but all the premises are fulfilled through the team`s synergy and previous research experience. The concept and experimental testing of the possibility of embedding naturally derived ceramic particles into a polymer matrix of natural origin were also demonstrated and reported by the team members as viable for achieving the project objectives.

New technology for the synthesis and manufacturing of biomimetic implants derived from biogenic resources used for bone reconstruction surgery Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0892 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.florinmiculescu.ro/bioimms/

Abstract:

The overall goal of this project is to develop and implement a new complex and reproducible synthesis technology of biomimetic ceramic materials (hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate, in different proportions) derived from marble and seashell precursors and their performance assessment as potential bone substitutes in restorative and reconstructive surgery. This project proposes the synthesis of a mineral phase presenting mechanical properties at least similar to those found at bone structural arrangement level. Once the biomechanical requirements are met, the biomimetic products will be tested through in vitro standardized methods to assess their biological performance. The ultimate goal of this project is to achieve biomimetic implants (compact and porous products) with custom features related to the mechanical requirements for an optimal biofunctionalization. In this regard, one patent application will be submitted, but it will not be funded through this project.

This project aims to develop, implement and promote a ceramic biomaterial known as biogenic hydroxyapatite. This is expected to lead to a new concept of biomimetic implant with improved features, for a rapid and complete resolution of all sizes bone defects.

The proposed subject is new and challenging for the project members, but all premises (for congent result achievement) are met through the sinergy and extended collaboration of both teams. The initial TRL level 2 was gradually established through the expertise of the project team. The project starts from conceptual approaches adopted from some studies and applied to the selected precursors. Experimental testing of research hypothesis will lead to an improved synthesis route. The appropiate manufacturing methods will be assessed for both types of biomimetic products (TRL level 3). Once the best experimental route is established, a comission constituted by independent experts will validate the proposed empirical model (TRL level 4).

Integrated technology for custom-made biomimetic implants development used for major bone defects reconstruction Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-0590 2015 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.florinmiculescu.ro/biomimbone

Abstract:

This project aims to develop and promote an integrated technology solution of a new custom made biomimetic implant concept used for bone substitution and dedicated to the rapid and complete surgical solving of large scale bone defects. The theme finds its need in clinical considerations related to the market lack of such products. We are focused on the development of custom made implanting biomaterials capable of simulating the most efficient the bone reconstruction mechanism. The biomimetic biomaterials will be obtained from natural origin materials (combinations of HA and TCP) in a massive form, 3D processed, used for surgical solving of large bone defects according to each patient case. Another project objective involves the significantly improvement of the healing process, miming the implantation bone structure, for a more rapid integration and an enhanced functionality. The implants mechanical characteristics will be similar to the tissues they are implanted in. The project implementation stages are: synthesis and processes developing for superior materials obtaining; bone tissue 3D defect detection; 3D texture development for the model of the reconstruction structure implants; implant topology development and optimization based on mechanic aspects and the rapid fusion of the reconstruction implant with the adjoining bone.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects