Tomsk Polytechnic University has concluded an agreement on research cooperation with the Meshalkin National Medical Research Center. Jointly with one of the largest multifunctional research, clinical and educational institutions of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation providing specialized medical care, TPU scientists will develop a number of promising areas in biomedical technologies.
Photo: at the TPU Laboratory for Plasma Hybrid Systems
“We have been actively cooperating with the Russian Ilizarov Scientific Center for Restorative Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Almazov National Medical Research Center and a number of other specialized institutions. Jointly with departments of the Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, we conducted some initiative projects, however, it was not covered by any agreement. Some time ago, our team was invited to take part in the project within the Science state assignment, therefore there was decided to conclude the agreement.
It is essential that doctors are interested in our research works, as without them it would be really challenging to achieve any practical results. We are also glad that the largest Russian national research medical centers are interested in our developments,”
Sergey Tverdokhlebov, Acting Head of the TPU Laboratory for Plasma Hybrid Systems, says.
The concluded agreement means implementation of tasks related to research and practical cooperation, such as the creation of promising, competitive innovative developments and improvement of research and technical, professional levels of the TPU staff through passing internships, obtaining PhD degrees, topping up qualification or reskilling.
“Among attractive areas for our staff, there are 3D-printed titanium implants with modified surface and polymeric composite implants designed to restore bone defects of oncological and traumatological patients, cardiac stents with functional coatings formed by ion-plasma methods,” Sergey Tverdokhlebov adds.
In particular, within the cooperation between TPU and the Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, there is a contract being negotiated for conducting R&D works on Development of Methodology for Modifying Porous Surface of Experimental Samples through Deposition of Osteoconductive Calcium Phosphate Coatings. On behalf of TPU, Anna Kozelskaya, Research Fellow of the TPU Weinberg Research Center, is leading the R&D works.
“We have already been engaged in the work process. Our task is to develop efficient modes and form bioactive coatings on the prototype surface of highly porous 3D-printed titanium implants, conduct research of physical and chemical properties, as well as to pass everything to the doctors for further cell and in vivo research.
Our research team is always making progress, we are always developing something new. For instance, we have developed an electrolyte containing such chemical elements as magnesium and strontium. These elements can be promising for patients with osteoporosis pathology,” Anna Kozelskaya explains.