Medical device using Northwestern-invented biomaterial receives
FDA clearance

Anti-inflammatory synthetic biomaterial aids tissue regeneration

CITRELOCK tendon fixation devices. Credit: Acuitive Technologies

October 21, 2020 | By Amanda Morris

An innovative orthopedic medical device fabricated from a novel biomaterial pioneered in the laboratory of Northwestern University professor Guillermo A. Ameer has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in surgeries to attach soft tissue grafts to bone.

The biomaterial is the first thermoset biodegradable synthetic polymer ever approved for use in an implantable medical device. It’s unique chemical and mechanical properties enable cutting-edge implant designs that protect the soft tissue graft during insertion and optimize graft fixation to bone.

Ameer’s biomaterial, called CITREGEN™, helps grafted tissues heal by recreating their intrinsic biochemical and structural support network.  

Click HERE to read the full press release.

Please also refer to the following peer-reviewed publication references:

1. Novel citric acid-based biodegradable elastomers for tissue engineering. J. Yang, A. Webb, and G.A. Ameer. Advanced Materials vol 16 pp 511, 2004
2. A novel citric acid-based poly(diol citrate)-hydroxyapatite composite for orthopaedic implants. H. Qiu, J. Yang, P Kodali, J. Koh, and G.A. Ameer. Biomaterials, vol 27, pp 5845-5854, 2006