Rowan U. scientists developing plastic surgical implants

In a science lab located in the engineering building at Rowan University, a professor and two students gather around a 3D printer. The project is a first of its kind.

Currently, the process for common implant surgeries such as knee replacements uses metal instead of plastic.

But a new design would use an FDA-approved plastic printed from a 3D printer. The knob of plastic is capable of releasing medicine into the system reducing the rate of infection.

The new idea will hopefully pave the way for how other implant surgeries are approached in the future.