New material created for affordable bone regeneration in Colombia

Global Business

A Colombian mechanical engineer created a new material for bone regeneration.

Her invention not only helps fractures heal faster, but costs less as well. CCTV America’s Michelle Begue reports.

Sandra Arce, a mechanical engineer has always wanted to help people with her work. That is why in 2008, Arce set out to create a bio-composite that could help heal fractures faster and cheaper than today’s solutions.

With the help of Carlos Valencia, a doctor and professor from Cali, Colombia, they worked on a bone tissue regeneration patent, aiming to help those who have lost bone tissue due to diseases or accidents.

According to experts in the Colombian market, one gram of natural bone graft may be worth an average of $100, while one gram of synthetic bone, can cost around $140. Sandra is trying to cut this price in half.

Having her invention succeed after several years of clinical trials has been a dream come true for this woman of humble beginnings.

With her investigation and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Arce says her favorite part of the day is sharing her knowledge. She is a professor at Autonoma University and in her spare time visits all-girl schools in Cali, to inspire more women to enter the field.

Arce’s love of the field is no doubt contagious, as she has inspired her two children to study engineering in different fields. And as the 2014 winner of the Woman of the Year Award in the Colombian region called Valle del Cauca, she is sure to be an inspiration for many others.


Kate Tulenko on health innovation

For more on health innovation, CCTV America’s Rachelle Akuffo spoke to Kate Tulenko. She’s the Vice President of Health Systems Innovation at IntraHealth International.