By Luis Calero Lumbreras
This month’s visual captures the inner architecture of a bioabsorbable metal scaffold revealed without a single cut, thanks to X-ray computed microtomography (µCT). Just like doctors rely on radiographs to see inside us, engineers use µCT to see inside materials: to check porosity, strut thickness, connectivity and defects that dictate performance and safe resorption.
In simple terms, µCT is a non-destructive 3D X-ray scan. The sample is rotated and imaged from many angles then powerful algorithms then reconstruct a detailed 3D model at micrometre resolution. That lets us quantify how these scaffolds will carry load, guide tissue growth and gradually dissolve in the body.
At the BCD Group together with the X-ray Characterization of Materials Group lead by Dr. Federico Sket in IMDEA Materials, we combine µCT with a broad suite of characterisation tools (from advanced microscopy and in-situ mechanical testing to thermal and spectroscopic analyses) to give a complete picture of how materials behave, evolve and ultimately perform.
M.Sc. Biomedical Engineering
Luis Calero is a Ph.D. student in the BCD Group at IMDEA Materials Institute. He holds a degree in Biomedical Engineering from the Universitat Politècnica de València and has a multidisciplinary background in biomaterials, biomechanics, and industrial design. His current research focuses on the introduction of geometrical gradients in Zn-based scaffolds by Laser Powder Bed Fusion, aiming to develop advanced biodegradable implants.
In L-PBF, understanding how process parameters affect outcomes requires rigorous material characterization. A key method is X-ray microtomography (µCT), which enables non-destructive 3D inspection of parts to quantify porosity, defect morphologies, inclusions and microcracks. By combining systematic build campaigns with µCT, researchers can map the material’s response to each process setting and define robust operating windows. In this way, µCT becomes the “eyes” of L-PBF optimizing parameters and accelerating decision-making.
Don’t forget to follow us on Linkedin to keep updated of all the relevant information from the BCD group!
PhD Opportunity (start Jan 2026) — IMDEA Materials seeks a motivated PhD candidate to join a regional project funded by the Community of Madrid. Interdisciplinary work combining experimental biology, materials
In late August, our group leader Dr. Mónica Echeverry-Rendón visited the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology at Universidad de Santiago de Chile, invited by Dr. Jonathan Andrés Ortiz. She presented
PhD Opportunity (start Jan 2026) — IMDEA Materials seeks a motivated PhD candidate to join a regional project funded by the Community of Madrid. Interdisciplinary work combining experimental biology, materials
In late August, our group leader Dr. Mónica Echeverry-Rendón visited the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology at Universidad de Santiago de Chile, invited by Dr. Jonathan Andrés Ortiz. She presented
Jessica Salinas, Nafiseh Mollaei, Carl J. Boehlert, Mónica Echeverry‑Rendón, Bio- and Tribo-Corrosion, 2025
Guillermo Domínguez López, Paul Luis Williams, Emily England, Jingya Wang, Carl Boehlert, Javier LLorca, Mónica Echeverry Rendón, Surface and Coatings Technology, 2025
Guillermo Domínguez, Muzi Li, Simon Pöstges, Alexander Kopp, Maria Serdechnova, Carsten Blawert, Javier LLorca, Jennifer Patterson, Mónica Echeverry, Jon Molina-Aldareguia, Surface and Coatings Technology, 2025
