Research
The PBTB is affiliated with the University of Western Australia, and this association facilitates our research activities and enhances our research capacity.
Our research endeavor is supported by our Scientific Sub-committee and the PBTB Board. Each donor consent includes an enquiry about the use of tissue for ethically approved research projects in the event the tissue cannot be used for transplantation.
PBTB (Perth Bone and Tissue Bank) carries out some cutting edge medical research focused extensively on improving tissue processing methods, the development of new graft products and tissue engineering in orthopaedics.
Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that applies the principles of engineering and biological sciences to the development of engineered substances that restore, maintain, or improve tissue function. It is considered to be an evolutionary event in the history of medicine for the treatment of organ and tissue deficiencies.
The aim of our research is to apply current knowledge in the fields of cellular molecular biology and biomaterials with current clinical expertise to:
- Reduce post-operative infection
- Inhibit bone resorption
- Induce bone formation
Current research activities are divided into these two areas of:
- MATRIX ENGINEERING
To establish a technique for the production of allogenic bone gelatin and its applications for clinical use (e.g. for use in orthopaedics, dentistry and sports medicine). This technique has been patented by PBTB. - MATERIAL ENGINEERING
We have collaborated with UWA in the development of Iontophoresis which creates a bioactive adjunct to mechanically stable grafting material by the introduction of antibiotics directly into the graft material using an electrical charge. This provides a potential adjunct to major bone allograft surgery in the control of post-operative infection locally and avoids potential harmful side effects of systemic antibiotic therapy.