Delftse Post, 26/08/2010
 
DELFT - Until October 31st the World Expo 2010, will take place in Shanghai, China with the main theme "Better City, Better Life". This year a total of 192 countries in the world and 50 organizations will participate. The World Expo 2010, will attract about 70 million people for doing business or just for free time. One of the visitors was the Mayor of Delft mr. Bas Verkerk. 

Mayor Verkerk was visiting the Dutch pavilion also known as "Happy Street" short after the opening in June. He took part in a seminar about biological technology, which was led by the Vice-Governor of Zuid-Holland Province mr. Asje van Dijk and scientific delegation leader mr. Dirk-Jan van den Berg, the chair of TU Delft.

Mayor Verkerk had a meeting with professor Jiang Chang in the VIP Lounge who he already met in June 2008 in Delft. The Shanghainese institute where he is part of has an cooperation with TU Delft since December 2008.

The Biomaterials Technology Group of TU Delft is developing at the moment innovative biodegradable materials for orthopedic applications which are build up from own body substances. A part of these tests are being done in Shanghai. The new materials like bone plates and bone screws will stimulate the healing process of bone fractures. After healing the biodegradable materials will taken by the body safely. In this way, no second surgery is neccessary to remove the implantates and the risks of complications is significantly being reduced.

Mayor Verkerk was very interested and glad to hear that there is such a close cooperation between Delft and Shanghai in the aim of a "Bettter Life" for patients in the near future. He wished the two research groups and the cooperation lots of prosperity.

Source: Delftse Post