BIOACTIVE INJECTABLE MACROPOROUS BIOMATERIALS FOR BONE REGENERATION
- SmartBIMBBone -
Contract no.: 183/2012
Funding institution: The National University Research Council Programme: Joint Applied Research Projects Funds: 3,000,000 RON (Co-funding 250,000 lei) Project director: Stancu Izabela-Cristina
Abstract Osteoporosis, bone degeneration in aging population as well as a multitude of traumatic and pathological bone defects justify the request for improved orthopaedic therapeutic products. The main aim of this project is to generate a novel concept of smart biomaterials for bone regeneration. The complex biomaterials developed in this project will present porous architectures typical to trabecular bone, self-assembling properties, eventually self-setting, and built-in bioactivity to promote angio- and osteo-genesis, additionally to injectability, controlled biodegradability, and sterilizability. Because these materials will be developed as injectable formulations, their application by minimally invasive surgery represents an important advantage for the comfort of patients. The new injectable smart biomaterials will be synthesized following different stages, and characterized with respect to their chemical and phase composition, micro- and nanostructure, chemical, mechanical, rheological properties, 3D porosity post-application, biodegradability and, when needed, in vitro and in vivo behaviour. Rational criteria will be used to select the best scaffolds during an iterative approach. From all points of view these biomaterials will be advantageous alternatives to autologous bone grafts mainly due to their large availability and controlled fabrication and properties. Moreover, they will represent enhanced alternatives to the existing commercially available injectable products for bone repair/filling. The consortium has all necessary complementary competences to achieve this goal: obtaining of smart injectable scaffolds providing in situ nanostructured porous constructs with enhanced bioactivity. It is expected that this project will stimulate the production of biomaterials in Romania.