The project was carried out as part of a Federal Target Program from 2017 to 2019 with a total financing of about 96 million rubles. The production line was manufactured back in 2019. Due to the pandemic and additional construction works at the new production site, the equipment was not transferred to the industrial partner until 2021. However, the researchers note, this made it possible to run a pilot operation at TPU.
"In 2022, our student went to Rybinsk for an internship to get acquainted with the company and help install equipment and engineering networks. Anton specializes in application of bioactive coatings, being familiar with the entire technological process, and the equipment and control systems. The equipment was successfully installed. At the request of the industrial partner, it was decided to send him again to Rybinsk for the next stage i.e. to put the equipment into pilot operation," says Sergey Tverdokhlebov, Acting Head of the Laboratory of Plasma Hybrid Systems at the TPU School of Nuclear Science & Engineering.
The launch of the equipment was successful. At the new production site, OSTEOMED-M is planning to manufacture implants with bioactive calcium-phosphate coatings, primarily hip endoprostheses, spinal screws, implants for internal minimally invasive low-trauma osteosynthesis, which are in demand, including in hospitals of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
"The cooperation experience was productive. Together with our partners we are discussing its further development, presumably based on contractual relations. We see several directions for future development. For example, there is currently a great need for antibacterial coatings. We also expect that the employees who will work at the new production site will come to TPU for training," adds the project manager.
In his turn, Anton Gryaznov, a student of the TPU School of Nuclear Science & Engineering, shared that during his internship he supervised and participated in the commissioning of a production line designed to apply coatings on titanium implants.
"It was a very interesting and valuable experience. As a student, I not only visited the company and got acquainted with its operations, but also supervised the process of installation and startup of technological equipment, consulting the employee who will further work with this equipment. The competencies I gained during my studies at TPU came in very useful. My competences, skills and experience were enough to solve engineering problems, analyze the situation and make engineering decisions," he said.
Справка
Уникальный источник питания и систему управления разработали ученые ТПУ совместно с Томским научным центром СО РАН (при участии директора ТНЦ СО РАН Алексея Маркова) в сотрудничестве с ООО «Микросплав» (при участии директора компании Всеволода Петрова). Разработки защищены патентами.
