Bone
This capability advances therapeutics, implants, diagnostics, and biologics for skeletal trauma, infection prevention, and bone regeneration. Emphasis includes load‑bearing biomaterials, orthobiologic constructs, antimicrobial strategies to prevent biofilms and AMR, and rapid point‑of‑care tools to guide fracture and osteomyelitis management in austere and delayed‑evacuation settings.
Technical Challenges
Complex polytrauma and large segmental bone loss from blast and high‑energy injuries.
High risk of contamination, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial resistance (osteomyelitis).
Mechanical demands for load‑bearing fixation in austere or delayed‑definitive‑care environments.
Biologic barriers to rapid regeneration: impaired vascularity, soft‑tissue loss, and systemic inflammation.
Emerging Opportunities
Point‑of‑care diagnostics to rapidly differentiate infected vs. sterile nonunion.
Modular, durable fixation and scaffold systems optimized for field stability and later reconstruction.
Orthobiologics and cell therapies with scalable manufacturing and shelf stability for forward use.
Locally targeted antimicrobial delivery that prevents resistance and supports bone healing without systemic toxicity.
Current and Emerging Technologies in Bone
Advanced fixation and smart implants
Next‑generation plates, intramedullary devices, and load‑sharing constructs with integrated sensors for stability monitoring, early detection of infection, and remote status reporting in prolonged field care.
Load‑bearing biomaterials and composites
Bioactive ceramics, polymer‑ceramic composites, and porous scaffolds engineered for mechanical strength, osteoconduction, and controllable resorption in large defect reconstruction.
Orthobiologics and tissue engineering
Growth factor delivery, mesenchymal cell therapies, and gene‑enhanced constructs designed to accelerate healing, restore bone volume, and integrate with host tissue under inflammatory and hypoxic conditions.
Antimicrobial coatings and local drug delivery
Surface chemistries, ion‑release systems, and biodegradable depots for high local antibiotic concentrations, anti‑biofilm activity, and reduced systemic exposure to combat osteomyelitis and device infections.
Point‑of‑care diagnostics and imaging
Rapid molecular assays, handheld imaging, and decision‑support tools to detect infection, assess vascularity and union potential, and guide early management in resource‑limited settings.
3D printing and biofabrication
Patient‑specific implants, porous constructs, and on‑demand surgical guides produced via additive manufacturing to support reconstruction and reduce OR time in both military and civilian trauma centers.
Importance to Military Medicine
Combat casualty care
Rapid hemorrhage control, stabilization, and fixation of skeletal injuries are essential to prevent life‑ and limb‑threatening sequelae after blast and ballistic trauma.
Prolonged and distributed care
Technologies that function reliably in delayed‑evacuation or austere environments preserve tissue, reduce complications, and enable staged reconstruction when definitive care is deferred.
Austere environment performance
Robust, shelf‑stable implants, antimicrobials, and diagnostics tailored for extreme temperatures, limited logistics, and variable surgical capacity sustain force health.
Force readiness and long‑term function
Restoring mobility, reducing chronic disability, and shortening recovery timelines directly supports operational readiness and reduces lifetime healthcare burden for injured Service members.
Alignment with the MTEC Mission
Accelerates translation of military‑relevant bone technologies into fieldable solutions that also benefit civilian trauma care.
Supports DoD priorities for prolonged, distributed care, force readiness, and mitigation of infection and polytrauma sequelae.
Enables public‑private partnerships to bridge laboratory research, scalable manufacturing, and operational testing under military requirements.
Dual-Use (Military + Civilian) Applications
Dual‑use devices and biologics reduce time and cost to market by addressing both battlefield needs and high‑volume civilian orthopedic trauma and reconstructive indications.
Antimicrobial technologies and diagnostics developed for military infection control translate directly to civilian surgical site infection and chronic osteomyelitis management.
Scalable orthobiologic manufacturing and 3D‑printed implants support both niche military needs and broader commercial markets in trauma and reconstructive surgery.
Field‑deliverable diagnostics and telemedicine tools foster interoperable solutions benefitting remote civilian hospitals and disaster response systems.
Explore MTEC Members with Bone Capabilities
MTEC members bring multidisciplinary strengths—orthopedic surgery, biomaterials engineering, infectious disease expertise, regulatory and manufacturing experience—to accelerate maturation of bone technologies from concept to operational use.
Consortium collaboration supports end‑user informed prototyping, realistic operational testing, and scaled commercialization pathways that meet DoD performance and sustainment requirements.
Explore member profiles to find partners with capabilities in orthobiologics, additive manufacturing, antimicrobial strategies, point‑of‑care diagnostics, and clinical trial expertise to advance bone solutions for Warfighters and civilians alike.
136 Members with Bone capabilities.
The University of Texas System is a leading public university system in the United States, dedicated to improving lives through education, health care, and research. With over 256,000 students enrolled across 14 institutions, the UT System is committed to providing affordable access to higher education and producing a skilled workforce to drive Texas's economy.
The Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) is a member-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the bioeconomy of the United States. Its mission encompasses enhancing manufacturing, healthcare, and education and workforce development, aiming to create a scalable and effective manufacturing ecosystem for engineered cells, tissues, and organs.
Georgia Southern University is a vibrant institution with over 26,100 students across three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville. The university offers 132 degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels, emphasizing student success, community impact, and research excellence. With a commitment to inclusivity and engagement, Georgia Southern fosters a supportive environment for diverse learners, including military-affiliated and adult students. The university is dedicated to transforming lives through education and community engagement, aligning its programs with regional needs. Additionally, Georgia Southern provides accelerated pathways for students to fast-track their master's degrees, enhancing educational opportunities. The university also emphasizes career readiness and public impact research, preparing students for successful careers and contributing to community development.
FiteBac Technology/FiteBac Pharma's K21 uniquely targets the underlying disease state, given that most diseases involve microbial-associated inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. FiteBac Technology innovations stem from the work of numerous international academic research scientists. FiteBac Pharma K21 is the blockbuster antimicrobial small molecule designed to modulate biological, immunological, and metabolic systems for treating a wide range of infectious and inflammatory diseases. This patented drug substance has demonstrated the ability to safely eliminate bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, enhance innate immunity, induce mitophagy while improving mitochondrial and cellular metabolism, accelerate wound healing, and even promote the development of zebrafish and chickens, leading to increased adult mass. Rigorous research from Dr. Bhupesh Prusty's laboratory and Dr Christopher Rongo's laboratory is focused on various aspects of mitochondrial remodeling and reprograming, as well as mitochondrial-to-nuclear signaling with K21.
Humanetics Corporation is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, focused on developing and commercializing products to enhance human health and wellbeing. Founded in 1988, the company specializes in radiation modulators, adjunctive oncology therapies, and pulmonary protective therapies, particularly for COVID-19. Humanetics is known for its lead drug candidate, BIO 300, which is being developed as a radioprotectant for military and civilian use, as well as a treatment to improve outcomes in cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. The company is actively engaged in research programs for non-small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, and head and neck cancers.
NervGen Pharma Corp is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing innovative treatments to enable nervous system repair in cases of traumatic injury and disease. Their lead drug candidate, NVG-291, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial for spinal cord injury, with additional preclinical evaluations for conditions such as ischemic stroke and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The company is also advancing a new development candidate, NVG-300, in preclinical studies.
MTF Biologics is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to saving and healing lives by honoring the gift of tissue donation. They process tissue grafts from human donors for a wide range of clinical applications, positively impacting lives globally. MTF Biologics integrates service, science, and advocacy to improve healthcare and wellbeing, while also supporting research and innovation in tissue transplantation.
Massachusetts General Hospital (Mass General) is a world-renowned academic medical center and the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. Mass General is recognized for its commitment to high-quality patient care, innovative research, and comprehensive educational opportunities. The hospital operates the largest hospital-based research program in the United States, fostering collaboration among leading clinicians and scientists to bridge innovation science with state-of-the-art clinical medicine. Mass General for Children (MGfC) is a leader in pediatric care, offering more than 50 medical specialties and 15 surgical services, and is home to the only proton beam facility in New England. The hospital is dedicated to serving local and global communities, training the next generation of healthcare professionals, and advancing medical knowledge through groundbreaking research, multidisciplinary care, and a strong commitment to family-centered and equitable healthcare.
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research, teaching, and community engagement. As a premier public research university, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a catalyst for socioeconomic development, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
SolasCure is dedicated to transforming chronic wound care through innovative therapeutic solutions. The company is at the forefront of developing Aurase Wound Gel, a breakthrough enzymatic debrider designed to return chronic wounds to healing. SolasCure aims to shift the paradigm in wound care by providing high-impact, safe, and effective treatments that address the underlying causes of wounds rather than just managing symptoms. With a strong focus on research and development, SolasCure is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of patients worldwide.
Auburn University Research & Economic Development is dedicated to advancing research and economic growth through a collaborative effort among its various colleges and departments. The organization focuses on fostering innovation, supporting faculty and student research, and facilitating partnerships with industry and government to address societal challenges and enhance the quality of life. Recent initiatives include the launch of the Team Science Series to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of the Gulf Coast Engineering Research Station to address coastal environmental challenges.
Sonogen Medical Inc. is dedicated to researching, developing, and commercializing next-generation ultrasonic bone fracture healing technology. The company combines expertise in fluid mechanics, biophysics, sonar, and medical ultrasound to create safe and effective devices for bone healing.
The Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research (I3R) at the University of Arkansas is dedicated to pioneering solutions to complex societal challenges through convergence research. With a mission to advance research excellence and stimulate economic development, I3R focuses on deploying innovations at scale through collaboration across various sectors, including academia, industry, and government.
UTMB is dedicated to supporting research, education, and scholarly endeavors, with a focus on creating the future of healthcare through innovative research and community engagement.
The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia's leading research and teaching institutions, dedicated to transforming lives through education and research. UQ aims to create a better future by equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for their chosen careers, while also addressing some of the world's most complex challenges through innovative research.
The University of Chicago is a prestigious urban research university committed to rigorous inquiry and intellectual freedom. Founded in 1890, it has produced numerous Nobel laureates and is known for its transformative education and groundbreaking research across various fields. The university fosters an inclusive and diverse learning environment, encouraging participation from all community members.
Arizona State University
ASU Crosscutting Technologies to Enhance Military Medical Readiness and Resilience
Dr. Rachel Cassalia leads MTEC-supported efforts at ASU to shift military health from reactive care to proactive readiness through data-driven prevention.
University of Pittsburgh
Topical Metformin Lotion for Tendinopathy Prevention
University of Pittsburgh study shows topical metformin prevents overuse tendon injury. This work was sponsored through MTEC project 22-02-MPAI-014.
Theradaptive
Theradaptive’s RESTORE Trial Initiation for OsteoAdapt™ DE
Theradaptive launches RESTORE Phase I/II trial of OsteoAdapt™ DE for faster, precision bone healing in craniofacial injuries. MTEC-funded study targets improved recovery for military and civilian patients.
Altec
Autonomous Rehabilitation Device for Improved Recovery in Warfighters
The OSCIR platform—developed by Altec Inc in collaboration with the Naval Health Research Center—is bringing clinical-grade, real-time movement analysis to the front lines. Funded under MTEC-22-02-MPAI