University of Cádiz develops grape-based biomaterial for bone regeneration

Researchers at the University of Cádiz have developed a new biocomposite material using pruning residues from the Tintilla de Rota grape variety. The material, named PLACEL10, is composed of 10% cellulose extracted from these vine residues and 90% polylactic acid (PLA), a renewable biodegradable plastic.

The study aims to transform abundant agricultural waste from the wine sector into high-value biomaterials for regenerative medicine. The new biocomposite demonstrates a biocompatibility rate exceeding 95% and improves the rigidity and strength of the PLA. This development opens potential applications for medical devices such as absorbable staples, sutures, screws, and support systems for bone regeneration.