A pioneering bone regeneration device developed by Panamanian scientist Guillermo Ameer has been successfully used in its first surgical procedure in the United States. The milestone marks a significant clinical translation for the synthetic bone graft substitute, which received regulatory clearance last year.
The technology, named Citregraft, is a highly porous bioactive scaffold. It is designed to fill and integrate with irregular bone defects, stimulating the body’s own healing processes before being naturally absorbed.
From Laboratory to Operating Room
Citregraft is composed of citrate-based polymers combined with bioactive glass, materials developed over two decades in Ameer’s laboratory. In its inaugural clinical application, surgeons used the device to repair bone tissue removed during a patient’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for the product in November 2024.
Guillermo Ameer serves as director of the Querrey Simpson Institute for Regenerative Engineering at Northwestern University. He expressed profound satisfaction at seeing the long-term research reach patients.
“Twenty years after the first report on citrate-based polymers, we now witness another important milestone,” Ameer said. [Translated from Spanish] “This expands the impact of our research and collaboration in developing medical devices for musculoskeletal regeneration.”
The scientist specifically honored the teams that contributed to the biomaterials’ development. He noted the transition from academic papers to tangible clinical applications that improve patient lives represents a core goal of his work.
A Career Dedicated to Regenerative Engineering
Guillermo Ameer’s journey began in Betania, Panama. His academic path took him from the Instituto Panamericano to the United States for undergraduate studies in chemical engineering. He later earned a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
His pioneering work focuses on creating bio absorbable orthopedic products. Ameer previously developed a regenerative orthopedic device for knee and ankle surgeries, the first of its kind designed to disappear from the body over time. In 2018, he also created a regenerative bandage for diabetic patients that accelerates wound healing.
Recognition for his contributions includes a place on the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition’s “Researcher to Know” list in 2022. The recent successful surgery using Citregraft underscores how sustained scientific investigation can yield innovative medical solutions with direct patient benefits. It also highlights the international impact of Panamanian scientific talent.
The Citregraft product line is commercialized by Acuitive Technologies. Company officials anticipate broader clinical use following this initial success. The device offers a synthetic alternative to traditional bone grafts, potentially reducing surgical complexity and patient recovery variables.