A new joint research group has been established to evaluate and develop new biomaterials for bone-related conditions.

Biomedical Technologies for Regenerative Orthopaedics (BioTROCS) is comprised of Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (Birmingham, U.K.), Aston University (Birmingham, U.K.), and the Brazilian Aeronautics Institute of Technology (ITA). The group aims to advance research in developing, characterizing, and evaluating (pre-clinical and clinical) biomaterials for bone regeneration and bone cancer applications.

ITA, Aston University and the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital have been collaborating for several years to explore the use of gallium in treating bone cancer patients. Formalizing this alliance will make it easier for the trio to secure funding to further their research.

“It’s our understanding that collaboration is the core principle for groundbreaking research and that solving real-world problems requires a multidisciplinary approach. BioTROCS is the officialization of a long-term international collaboration between Brazil- and U.K.-based physicists, chemists, biologists, and clinical researchers that has already made significant contributions to the advancement of technologies for the treatment of bone disorders such as critical-sized bone defects and bone tumors,” said Dr. Lucas Souza, manager of the Dubrowsky Regenerative Medicine Laboratory at Royal Orthopaedic Hospital. “This new phase represents the first step to establishing a strategic partnership that aims to facilitate the flow of researchers, materials, and data between the participating institutions to foster an even richer research environment to accelerate discoveries in the field of biomaterials for bone regeneration and bone cancer.”

The new research group has successfully secured funding to further the group’s development of an injectable paste for use in bone cancer surgeries. The funding includes a doctorate scholarship with a 12-month international placement. The PhD student will be based in Brazil and spend a year in the United Kingdom at Aston University.

“The formalization of the BioTROCS group is a key step in strengthening international scientific cooperation and represents a strategic opportunity to expand our research efforts in cutting-edge therapies for bone regeneration and bone cancer treatment,” stated Professor Dr. Joao Lopes, with the Aeronautics Institute of Brazil. “This partnership between institutions in Brazil and the U.K. not only enhances the development of novel biomaterials and advanced therapies, but also significantly increases our ability to secure funding from agencies that offer exclusive calls for international collaborative projects. In addition to enabling the exchange of researchers and knowledge, BioTROCS fosters a more dynamic innovation ecosystem that supports the development of high-impact clinical and technological solutions.”

“Aston University and the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital has successfully collaborated for five years in this area of research and the formation of an international research group will help drive forward the use of biomaterials for bone regeneration and bone cancer,” Aston University Professor Richard Martin added. “This area of research has huge potential. For example, in September 2024 our tests found that bioactive glasses doped with gallium have a 99% success rate of eliminating cancerous cells and can even regenerate diseased bones. My team at Aston University is looking forward to hosting the new Ph.D. researcher who will help further advance our research.”