Prosperos-II continues a major research project led by Maastricht UMC+ in the field of 'smart', 3D printed implants for applications in orthopedics. The research is aimed at the development of biologically active implants that can be adapted to the needs of each individual patient. If successful, this will lead, among other things, to faster rehabilitation and a reduction in required re-operations. PRosPERoS-II therefore makes a major social contribution to healthy aging.

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Degenerative joint diseases are an unavoidable problem in an aging population. This includes abnormalities of the hip, back or knee. Placing a prosthesis or implant can be a solution for patients, but unfortunately the current generation of implants only have a limited lifespan. Subsequent replacement surgeries carry a high risk of infection, the treatment of which is lengthy and expensive. There is clearly a need for a new generation of 'smart' medical implants. Ideally, these implants should be made specifically for the patient's anatomical shape. In addition, these implants should also speed up the healing process and prevent infections.

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The Prosperos project is financed by the following partners: The Europese investeringsfonds Interreg Nederland-Vlaanderen is investing almost 2.3 million euros in the project, half of the total investment. In addition, the Ministerie van Economische Zaken (NL), the Ministerie van Economische Zaken (B) and the Provincies Noord-Brabant (NL) & Vlaams-Brabant (B) are jointly investing 1 million euros in the project.