The PhonoGraft device is a biomimetic graft, which is believed to enable long-lasting eardrum reconstruction

Phono

Desktop Health has announced the addition of PhonoGraft platform to its technology portfolio. (Credit: Business Wire)

Desktop Health, a business unit of Desktop Metal, has expanded its technology portfolio with the acquisition of PhonoGraft biofabrication platform.

The PhonoGraft platform has the potential to support the body’s functional and morphological regeneration of the tympanic membrane. It is also believed to provide a pathway for soft tissue regeneration for use in a range of healthcare applications.

The researchers from the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), and Mass Eye and Ear in Boston have initially developed the PhonoGraft technology.

Desktop Metal has secured an exclusive licence from Harvard’s Office of Technology Development to commercialise the PhonoGraft platform.

The PhonoGraft device is a biomimetic graft, which is said to support the reconstruction of quality and long-lasting eardrum.

With a programmable biodegradable 3D printed graft, the PhonoGraft technology is being assessed for possible use in an implantable device to repair damaged eardrums.

The minimally invasive and programmable biodegradable 3D printed graft is expected to provide decreased procedure times and improved healing and hearing outcomes to patients.

Desktop Health president and CEO Michael Jafar said: “We believe that this platform may one day offer a groundbreaking solution to the millions of patients impacted by tympanic membrane perforation (TMP).

“PhonoGraft material technology, coupled with our leading biofabrication capabilities, has tremendous potential across a wide range of healthcare applications in soft tissue – from cardiovascular and neuronal grafts to plastic surgery. Today’s announcement marks the beginning of our journey to advance personalised medicine.”

According to the company, the PhonoGraft platform has been validated in preclinical studies in animal models.

The trials demonstrated that as the eardrum heals, native cells and blood vessels grow into the biocompatible PhonoGraft material, said the company.

The PhonoGraft technology, which is in advanced-stage research and development, is not yet commercialised in any part of the world.

In May this year, Desktop Health secured 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Flexcera Base resin suitable for use in 3D fabrication of dental prosthetics.