The medical applications of intelligent design and additive manufacturing technologies

In the era of rapid technological development, cross-disciplinary collaboration has become the pivotal force driving innovation. The research group led by Professor Hao Liang at the School of Design, Southern University of Science and Technology, is dedicated to advancing intelligent design and additive manufacturing technologies. On February 19th, the School had the pleasure of hosting an expert team from the Medical Innovation Technology Translation Center of Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, led by CHEN Yingqi, along with delegates from Jingrui Technology Innovation Center. This visit facilitated in-depth discussions and exchanges, underscoring the commitment to fostering synergies across fields.

Figure 1. Group photo of the workshop

This seminar and exchange activity focused on several cutting-edge topics, which included the "Additive Manufacturing and Biomimetic Design of Biodegradable Composites for Pediatric Cranial Reconstruction" at SUSTech, "Optimization of Degradable Metal Materials and Structural Design" at the Medical Innovation Technology Translation Center of Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, and the "Renewable Orthopedic Materials and Additive Manufacturing" technology, as introduced by the Jingrui Technology Innovation Center from Oxford, UK.

During the event, the School of Design at SUSTech showcased their latest research achievements in additive manufacturing and intelligent design. They highlighted their comprehensive approach, from the research and development of material processes to the optimization of intelligent design techniques, demonstrating the team's innovation and dedication. Meanwhile, experts from the Medical Innovation Technology Translation Center at Shenzhen Second People's Hospital discussed the clinical needs in orthopedics. They shared insights into the technological bottlenecks and challenges they face in the optimization and structural design of degradable metal materials, setting a clear direction and focus for ongoing research.

Furthermore, experts from the Jingrui Technology Innovation Center shared their extensive experience in international exchanges and the translation of scientific and technological outcomes. They offered valuable ideas and suggestions for advancing the scientific and technological translation of degradable metals and renewable orthopedic materials, enriching the dialogue with global perspectives and innovative solutions.

Figure 2. Professor Hao Liang introduces the Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory to the expert team

The three parties engaged in in-depth discussions on the joint development of bone regeneration materials and their clinical applications. They actively explored opportunities for collaborative scientific research projects and reached the consensus that by combining the scientific research capabilities of universities, the clinical resources of hospitals, and the investment resources from technological innovators, a powerful collaborative force could be established. This alliance would span the interdisciplinary fields of clinical medicine, material engineering, and intelligent design. Such a synergistic approach is poised to accelerate the translation of scientific research into clinical practice, offering patients high-quality, effective, and personalized therapy solutions with precision.