A new study combining machine learning, optimization, 3D printing, and stress experiments has developed a material that mimics human bone for femur restoration.
Led by Professor Shelly Zhang at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, this research created a computational framework to produce a bone-like material. The study demonstrated that this bio-inspired material could be 3D-printed and used to repair fractured femurs, potentially offering better support and protection compared to conventional metal plates.
The findings suggest broad applications for stress-manipulating implants in various materials and medical contexts.