BPoD has moved!

BPoD has recently changed our domain name - we can now be found at bpod.org.uk

Please update your bookmarks!

Now in our 13th year of bringing you beautiful imagery from biomedical science every day

Search the archive of over 4000 images

High-tech Gel
04 May 2017

High-tech Gel

The yellow rubbery gel between the thigh and shin bone of this model knee (shown at different angles) may not be an aesthetically dazzling material, but it is a beautiful example of what can be achieved by combining two novel yet disparate technologies – hydrogel synthesis and 3D printing. Together the techniques have been used to create a synthetic meniscus – the cartilage that cushions the knee. The hydrogel (a mixture of polymers and water) has been specially engineered to be biocompatible, to mimic the strength and elasticity of human cartilage, and to be 3D printable – it can flow through a print nozzle like liquid, but then hardens allowing desired shapes to be built up in layers. The hope is that such synthetic cartilage could be printed on demand to the exact shape of a patient’s knee in which the cartilage is damaged – a common problem – thus providing a tailored, comfortable fit.

Written by Ruth Williams

Search The Archive

Submit An Image

Follow on Tumblr

Follow on Instagram

What is BPoD?

BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

Read More

BPoD is also available in Catalan at www.bpod.cat with translations by the University of Valencia.