TDB Backs 3D-Printed Bone Grafts to Advance India's Indigenous Medical Technology

The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has extended financial assistance to Maharashtra-based Ceramat Private Limited for commercialising 3D-printed bone grafts tailored to individual patients. The project will combine indigenously manufactured calcium phosphate-based bioceramics with 3D-printing technologies to develop both standard and customised bone grafts for medical applications. Ceramat, based in Palghar, Maharashtra, develops bio-ceramic and advanced ceramic materials, including biomaterials used in orthopaedics and other applications. The company currently manufactures conventional bone graft products such as granules. The new project aims to expand this capability to digitally designed grafts that can be customised according to individual patient anatomy. The project will use two 3D-printing approaches. The proposed grafts will use calcium phosphate-based materials such as hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium phosphate, which resemble the mineral composition of natural bone and are used in bone graft and implant applications. India's transition from being a technology consumer to a technology developer requires indigenous capabilities in specialised and high-value areas of healthcare, said TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak. Combining advanced bio-ceramics with 3D printing could open possibilities for personalised medical solutions and reduce dependence on imported products. The project reflects the government's focus on indigenous medical technology, advanced manufacturing and development of domestic supply chains for high-value healthcare products.