Despite its extraordinary ability to self-heal, the capacity of native bone to function healthily can be affected by numerous pathological conditions (e.g. cancer) and diseases (e.g osteoporosis). It is also well known that bone degenerates with age, which increases its susceptibility to fracture. Despite its shortcomings (e.g. donor site morbidity, risk of infection), currently autogeneous bone grafting is regarded as the ‘gold standard’. However, the developing field of Tissue Engineering (TE) aims to offer alternative strategies to address the growing clinical issue of tissue loss or defects caused by disease or trauma. The TE strategy encompasses the use of a surrogate structure that mimics the physical and chemical properties of the host tissue, commonly referred to as a ‘scaffold’. 

Sophie's PhD research focuses on the synthesis of a bioceramic material, hydroxyapatite, that is chemically similar to native bone mineral. In order to mimic the complex hierarchical structure of bone a fabrication method must be employed that is capable of manufacturing a porous, interconnected and mechanically stable scaffold. The aim of this research project is to further develop novel additive layer manufacturing (ALM) methods to produce such a structure. Specifically a powder based technique, 3D printing, was employed to custom manufacture scaffold structures suitable for use as bone tissue scaffolds.