Strontium-Reinforced Biomaterial Heals Bone Faster and Stronger

The StronBone Bone Graft Substitute is comprised of a bioactive ceramics (bioceramics) and Strontium, which boosts the performance of the bioceramics in bone repair. The Strontium ions become incorporated into the molecular structure of the glass, where they are not merely encapsulated but become a part of the glass network, changing the properties of the bioactive glass itself, resulting in increased bioactivity by controlling the proportions of the components of its bioactive glass. Another benefit is localized impact; as the bioactive glass dissolves, the Strontium ions are released locally, not systemically, serving as targeted therapy due to Strontium's antibacterial effect, a feature that is particularly important in orthopedic implants. The StronBone Bone Graft Substitute is a product of RepRegen (London, United Kingdom), and has received the European Community (EC) marking of approval.

"The Company's 'smart' biomaterials related to its hard tissue platform represent great new medical device products for the orthopedic biomaterials market sector that will be well-received,” said Stephen Rietiker, M.D., chairman of RepRegen, commenting on the EC approval.

Strontium (Sr) is an element with the atomic number 38. An alkaline earth metal, strontium is a soft silver-white or yellowish metallic element that is highly reactive chemically; it occurs naturally in the minerals celestine and strontianite. The human body absorbs strontium as if it were calcium, but with higher density. Half the increase in bone density is attributed to the higher atomic weight of Strontium compared with calcium, whereas the other half a true increase, which results in a higher bone mass and density, aiding bone growth, and lessening the risk of vertebral, peripheral, and hip fractures.

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