(P. Lelkes, N. Johanson, J. Zhou, and Y. Gogotsi)

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Abstract: Current orthopedic surgical fixation devices, such as metallic and polymeric screws or pins, have a series of distinct disadvantages, necessitating the need for novel “smart” tools that will overcome these disadvantages and allow for improved healing, accelerated patient recovery and avoidance of secondary (revision) surgeries. The envisioned final product from this technology will be a novel, nanodiamond-reinforced biodegradable, bioactive surgical fixation device with controlled inner porosity of the gradient cellular structure (GCS) for the repair of damaged/torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL), which is one of most prevalent sports injuries. These technologies address the two pivotal shortcomings of currently available biodegradable surgical tools for ACL repair: bioactivity and mechanical stability. By using GCS porosity (in combination with the innate osteogenic properties of one of the build materials, hydroxyapatite), the structure of these “smart,” bioactive surgical tools will closely mimic the porosity profile of natural bone, thus facilitating bone regeneration and active tissue ingrowth. Incorporation of functionalized nanodiamonds (fNDs) will both provide the required mechanical strength and lead to accelerated minerlaization. These three unique IP-protected features of the “smart” surgical tool, in concert with controlled degradation properties of the biopolymers, will facilitate osteogenic tissue in-growth and foster tissue regeneration.