Iran achieves breakthrough with fully absorbable 3D-printed bone implants
Iranian scientists have unveiled the nation’s first fully absorbable 3D-printed bone implants, marking a major leap in medical biotechnology and reducing reliance on imported surgical materials.
The innovation was announced on Wednesday by Mohammad-Hassan Dabirzadeh, production director at Omid Afarinan-e Baft Ayandeh, during the inaugural Far-e Iran (Glory of Iran) Exhibition, attended by Vice President for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, Hossein Afshin.
According to Dabirzadeh, the implants are Iran’s first commercial bioresorbable bone replacements that naturally dissolve after bone healing, eliminating the need for secondary surgeries. The breakthrough allows for customized, patient-specific bone reconstructions, particularly for facial and cranial deformities caused by trauma or congenital defects.
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The firm, active since 2017, had earlier produced Iran’s first commercial bio-3D printer capable of printing both soft tissues like skin and cartilage, and hard tissues such as bone. After commercializing the printer, the company shifted focus toward clinical applications, resulting in these advanced bone implants.
Unlike traditional titanium implants, which often require surgical removal and can complicate growth in children, the new devices gradually dissolve within 18 to 24 months, aligning with the body’s natural bone regeneration process.
“All materials are domestically synthesized, reducing dependence on imported biological grafts from human cadavers, which carry infection risks and supply challenges,” Dabirzadeh explained.
Following three years of development and testing, Iran approved full-scale production and clinical use in 2024. Over 30 successful surgeries have already been performed using the implants, which have saved the country an estimated $13.6 million in medical import costs.
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Dabirzadeh added that the breakthrough will help Iran establish a stronger presence in the global high-tech medical equipment market.
Experts say advancements in 3D printing and nanotechnology are revolutionizing healthcare, enabling the creation of adaptive, regenerative implants tailored to each patient’s biological needs. Iran’s success in bio-fabrication is now positioning its healthcare industry for more precise and personalized medical treatments
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