A British professor aims to develop “bone bricks” to help prevent the loss of limbs among victims of conflict.
The Manchester University project is to be directed at first at helping Syrian refugees.
Professor Paulo Jorge Bartolo plans to develop low-cost biodegradable prostheses that can be manufactured with 3D printing.
It is among £16 million worth of funding committed to supporting health research projects aimed at tackling international challenges.
At Imperial College, London, Professor Anthony Bull aims to develop prostheses for through-knee amputees, such as Cambodian land mine victims, with the aim of having them manufactured locally at low cost.
At Glasgow University, Professor Jonathan Cooper plans to design and manufacture paper DNA diagnostic tests and mobile-phone based imaging technology to enable diagnosis of parasitic diseases in remote locations.
Professor Philip Nelson, chief executive of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, said: “Responding to healthcare challenges in low and middle income countries can require the development of innovative new approaches; key factors include affordability, portability and the requirement for point-of-care operation in often remote locations.
“The projects announced today ensure that these necessities are incorporated into healthcare solutions that have the potential to transform many lives.”
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