The “Biomimetic and Multifunctional Materials” research group (GMBM) of the University of Seville applies biomorphic silicon carbide, one its patented materials, to the field of medical implants. Specifically, the research group is studying its behaviour in bone implants. Thanks to long-standing cooperation with the University of Vigo (located in the north-west of Spain), the Seville research team has been able to prove the biocompatibility of the material, labelled “bioSiC”.

Early in the decade, GMBM researchers started making advanced ceramics from biological precursors like wood. Biomorphic silicon carbide (bioSiC) was the first one. After patenting the material, its protection was extended to the rest of Europe.

The head of GMBM, Julián Martínez Fernández, told Andalucía Investiga that “we learn from the wisdom of nature. Nature has created, throughout millions of years of evolution, structures that allow us to obtain exceptional mechanical properties. Furthermore, it is possible to make complex pieces ies. to the rest of Europe with little effort, using an inexpensive and environmentally-friendly process.

Since then, the material has been used in different basic and industrial research projects, both in Spain and abroad. The joint research with the University of Vigo served to prove that the material's porosity and microstructures are appropriate for cellular growth. The study of biological tissues using bioSiC as a platform continues in the framework of a European programme.

In this vein, the University of Seville is working with 10 international partners in a STREP project, aimed at developing biomimetic materials (materials that imitate natural performs) in bone implants. One of the advantages here is the lack of toxicity of bioSiC. The University of Seville published the first impact publication in this field in the Biomaterials journal.

Now, the research group has applied for special funding for excellence programmes, in order to optimize bioSiC behaviour with biological agents. Two objectives will be pursued here, the first being to further develop the manufacturing process improving its mechanical properties using reactive infiltration techniques htal funding for excellency imiten Spain and abrou. The second objective is to study how the material reacts against bacteria proliferation.

Contact: Julián Martínez Fernández
Telephone: 34 954 55 09 56
Email: Email: martinez@us.es