New research explores bone healing with bacterial bioplastics

A groundbreaking doctoral thesis from the University of Borås, Sweden, presents a novel method for healing large bone defects using bioplastic fibers made by bacteria, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional bone grafting.

Dr. Sabrina Kopf, who earned her Ph.D. in Polymer Technology, explored the use of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a biodegradable plastic produced by bacteria, to create textile structures that support bone regeneration. “Bone cells need something to attach to in order to heal, so we incorporated calcium phosphate into the fibers,” Kopf explained, highlighting the biomimetic approach used to enhance cell compatibility.

Despite challenges in processing PHA, Kopf succeeded in melting and extruding the material into fibers, which were then knitted and woven into simple textile forms. Laboratory tests showed that bone cells adhered well and remained healthy on the material.

With bone being the second most transplanted tissue globally, PHA fibers offer a promising solution to reduce reliance on autografts, which are limited in supply and carry risks of donor-site complications. PHA fibers are not only biocompatible but also eco-friendly. They are made from waste materials and degrade without leaving microplastic residues, aligning with global sustainability goals.