60 Conclusion

Overall, new technologies in inducing native bone growth through implantation of polymers is an exciting technology in order to improve patient care and success rates on bone grafts. There are many different ways to achieve this, starting with simple alginate-based gel systems, and moving all the way to specific polymers which are specifically designed to induce growth. Research in these areas has allowed for fine-tuned polymer systems that are faster, less invasive, and more biocompatible for use in osteogenesis. Bioceramic and bioglass polymer systems are the current state-of-the-art in growing bone, and advances in these areas will make this technology more feasible in the coming years.

This TEDTalk was given in 2013, more than a decade ago, and kicked off much of the research in this area. Alginate-based systems are still currently under research, but more advanced polymers are receiving more attention in recent years. One of the main drawbacks of this type of bone growth is the long time periods required for growth- the original research required six weeks before the new bone was able to be harvested in transplanted. Enhancing the speed at which bone can be generated is a major hurdle for this technology to see widespread adoption in the coming years.