UMichigan finds new application for bioplastic: absorbable medical devices

In Michigan, researchers at the University of Michigan found an interesting application for bioplastic: saving a young child’s life with a 3D printed bioplastic trachea. At the age of six months, Kaiba Gionfriddo was diagnosed with a condition that caused his windpipe to collapse. Led by Dr. Scott Hollister, a team from the University of Michigan were able to print a customized biopolymer tracheal splint for the infant using a 3-D printer. The tracheal splint will fully absorb into Kaiba’s body in two to three years.

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