MISIS: Thyroid cartilage implant

History

2025: Product Announcement

Scientists at the National Research Technological University MISIS have developed a prototype of a cartilaginous laryngeal implant, which is made on a 3D bioprinter taking into account the individual anatomical characteristics of the patient. Innovative technology allows you to surgically replenish the lost area of ​ ​ thyroid cartilage in cancer patients after the removal of the tumor. The project is being implemented in cooperation with the Center for Otorhinolaryngology of the FMBA of Russia. This was reported by the press service of MISIS University at the end of July 2025.

According to the press service of MISIS University, experts proposed printing a mesh structure made of thermoplastic polyurethane with subsequent thermoforming for a specific patient. To ensure cell adhesion to the mesh surface, scientists coat it with collagen or apply a biocompatible polyelectrolyte complex of chitosan and polyglutamic acid.

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Фото: MISIS

The development is aimed at solving the problem of restoring the hyaline cartilage of the larynx, which regenerates poorly due to the lack of blood vessels and the low activity of renewal cells. Hyaline cartilage tissue performs protective and supporting functions for neighboring organs, prevents collapse of the respiratory tract.

The problem is especially relevant for cancer patients at 3-4 stages of cancer, when the tumor grows into the larynx and the removal of thyroid cartilage is required. According to the P.A. Herzen Russian Center for Information Technologies and Epidemiological Research in Oncology, the prevalence of laryngeal cancer in 2022 was 28.7 cases per 100 thousand population.

The optimal porosity of the developed implant for use in surgery is 50% with a Young's modulus of 82±5 MPa. Such parameters provide the necessary mechanical strength and the ability to integrate with the living tissues of the patient.

Yusef Hesuani, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Managing Partner of 3D Bioprinting Solutions, noted that at the moment there are no commercially available implants for replacing thyroid cartilage defects suitable for mass use. Bioprinting allows you to restore native tissues, recreate complex anatomical forms and scale tissue structures^[1]

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