Hierarchical Ionic-doped Nanocomposite Scaffolds for Osteochondral Tissue Engineering - HierarchiTech

Project summary

Nanocomposite scaffolds hierarchically structured composed of biopolymers and calcium-phosphate cements incorporating bioactive ions for osteochondral (OC) tissue engineering will be major innovation of HierarchiTech. Ionic-dopants will play vital roles in biomechanics and stimulating the stem cells niche towards osteo- and chondro-genesis/angiogenesis. These ions can act as a contrast agent for medical imaging (e.g. X-ray), thus possibly the clinician monitors the regeneration process. Cell cultures, human adipose stem cells (clinical grade) and bioactive agents combined with the scaffolds will be developed and pre-clinically validated. The expected results will develop advanced biomaterials, technologies and therapies for health and a carrier for cells/drug delivery that target specific disease or injury in OC field, with potential to be successfully translated into clinical practice, thus enhancing the competitiveness of the EU Health industry and promote socio-economical cohesion.