A breakthrough in medical materials is changing how surgeons approach bone injuries.
A research team at Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea has created a handheld 3D printing device — nicknamed a medical “hot glue gun” — that can print bone-like material directly into patients during surgery. This innovation could dramatically speed up healing, reduce infection risks, and transform orthopedic procedures worldwide.
How the Device Works
The device extrudes a custom bio-ink composed of:
Hydroxyapatite — the mineral that makes up human bone.
Polymers — providing flexibility and structural stability.
Surgeons can print bone scaffolds directly into a fracture site, tailoring the material to each patient’s anatomy in real time. The bone matrix is created instantly in the operating room.
A modified “hot glue gun” for bone repair, developed in South Korea.
Why This Matters
Traditional bone repair often relies on:
Metal implants (which may require later removal)
Donor grafts (rejection/supply limits)
Long recovery times
3D-printed scaffolds can:
Integrate with the body’s own cells
Reduce healing time
Offer custom geometry for complex fractures
The Bigger Picture: 3D Printing in Medicine
Direct bone printing builds on existing use cases:
Custom prosthetics
Dental implants
Tissue-engineering scaffolds
It’s another step toward patient-specific regenerative medicine.
Material science behind printable bone matrices.
What’s Next?
Portable devices for battlefield/disaster medicine
Hybrid materials with growth factors for faster regeneration
Scalable deployment across hospitals
Key Takeaways
Handheld 3D-printing device for bone repair from South Korea
London architecture studio Bureau de Change and artist Lulu Harrison have created Thames Glass tiles from mussel shells, featuring intricate patterns. This collaboration highlights sustainability in design by transforming waste into aesthetically pleasing materials. Thames Glass tiles demonstrate the benefits of eco-friendly innovation, merging art and architecture to promote a sustainable, functional future.
In 1937, a remarkable innovation was captured by British Pathé: an Italian inventor had developed a method to turn ordinary milk into yarn. The archival footage documents each stage of the process, from laboratory experiments to industrial production, ultimately producing a fabric that looks and feels like wool. This pioneering attempt at material innovation reveals how early 20th-century science was already pushing the boundaries of sustainable design.
UbiQD’s transparent solar panels use quantum dot technology to capture UV and NIR light, converting it into electricity while remaining see-through. These panels can be integrated into buildings, greenhouses, vehicles, and electronics, offering aesthetic and functional benefits. Although efficiency challenges exist, advances promise wider adoption and significant environmental and economic benefits.
Thermoplastic composite hemp rebar offers a sustainable, durable, and lightweight alternative to steel in construction. Developed through a rapid pultrusion process, it combines hemp fibers with thermoplastic resin for high strength and corrosion resistance. Its benefits include reduced environmental impact and enhanced construction efficiency, making it suitable for various structural applications.
Scientists in South Korea Develop 3D Printing “Hot Glue Gun” for Bone Repair
A modified “hot glue gun” can mend broken bones.
A breakthrough in medical materials is changing how surgeons approach bone injuries.
A research team at Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea has created a handheld 3D printing device — nicknamed a medical “hot glue gun” — that can print bone-like material directly into patients during surgery. This innovation could dramatically speed up healing, reduce infection risks, and transform orthopedic procedures worldwide.
How the Device Works
The device extrudes a custom bio-ink composed of:
Surgeons can print bone scaffolds directly into a fracture site, tailoring the material to each patient’s anatomy in real time. The bone matrix is created instantly in the operating room.
A modified “hot glue gun” for bone repair, developed in South Korea.
Why This Matters
Traditional bone repair often relies on:
3D-printed scaffolds can:
The Bigger Picture: 3D Printing in Medicine
Direct bone printing builds on existing use cases:
It’s another step toward patient-specific regenerative medicine.
Material science behind printable bone matrices.
What’s Next?
Key Takeaways
Related Posts
Eggshell Waste Transformed: Re:Shell Bricks from Seoul National University
London architecture studio Bureau de Change and artist Lulu Harrison have created Thames Glass tiles from mussel shells, featuring intricate patterns. This collaboration highlights sustainability in design by transforming waste into aesthetically pleasing materials. Thames Glass tiles demonstrate the benefits of eco-friendly innovation, merging art and architecture to promote a sustainable, functional future.
Ancient Roman Concrete’s Secret: Self-Healing Through Hot Mixing
In 1937, a remarkable innovation was captured by British Pathé: an Italian inventor had developed a method to turn ordinary milk into yarn. The archival footage documents each stage of the process, from laboratory experiments to industrial production, ultimately producing a fabric that looks and feels like wool. This pioneering attempt at material innovation reveals how early 20th-century science was already pushing the boundaries of sustainable design.
A Clear Path for Solar Energy: A Deep Dive into UbiQD’s Transparent Solar Panels
UbiQD’s transparent solar panels use quantum dot technology to capture UV and NIR light, converting it into electricity while remaining see-through. These panels can be integrated into buildings, greenhouses, vehicles, and electronics, offering aesthetic and functional benefits. Although efficiency challenges exist, advances promise wider adoption and significant environmental and economic benefits.
Transforming Construction: Hemp Rebar Breakthrough Using Rapid Pultrusion and Forming of Thermoplastic Composite
Thermoplastic composite hemp rebar offers a sustainable, durable, and lightweight alternative to steel in construction. Developed through a rapid pultrusion process, it combines hemp fibers with thermoplastic resin for high strength and corrosion resistance. Its benefits include reduced environmental impact and enhanced construction efficiency, making it suitable for various structural applications.