IMCOSS

Injectable Medical Ceramics for Bone Repair and Augmentation

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The repair and regeneration of bone tissue remains a significant clinical challenge in many clinical fields including orthopaedics, dentistry, and maxillofacial surgery. The problem is increasing in the face of complicating factors such as the ageing population. The aim of this project is to undertake a basic scientific study of new nanostructured biomaterials that will underpin the development of new nanostructured, injectable bone graft substitutes. This scientific and technological research will be integrated with the development of a dedicated advanced delivery system that will provide the surgeon with a high degree of control during clinical use. The basic scientific research will be directed at understanding structure-property relationships related to nanoparticle size and morphology, composition, and functional behaviour including rheology, biocompatibility, and bone tissue regeneration. While the project is ambitious, the likelihood of success is greatly increased by the formation of a consortium that includes different elements of the supply chain in combination with the scientific competencies necessary to execute the work programme. The scientific and technological aspects of the project will be further enhanced by the participation of a clinical panel composed of surgeons from the two RTD partner organisations. This combination of business, scientific and clinical expertise will together facilitate the translation of basic science through applied research and on to development of a new medical device.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Encouraging bones to repair and regenerate is a significant clinical challenge. A novel viscous material that can be applied with a syringe will overcome current limitations.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

A variety of bone graft substitutes, materials other than bone grafts, are available for dentistry, maxillofacial surgery and orthopaedics. However, those that can be applied with a syringe and shaped in situ require large forces that can inhibit accurate placement and appropriate quantity. Further, tissue response to the foreign materials is inconsistent, particularly in older or compromised patients.

An EU-funded consortium initiated the project 'Injectable medical ceramics for bone repair and augmentation' (http://www.imcoss.eu (IMCOSS)) to develop the knowledge base required to improve both the delivery device and the materials delivered. Scientists are studying nanostructured biomaterials to optimise rheology, tissue biocompatibility and bone tissue regeneration.

The consortium combines expertise all along the supply chain with a university research group, a trauma research centre and three small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A clinical panel from the partner research organisations is providing important practical input to define specifications and needs. With the combined strengths of scientific, clinical and business expertise, IMCOSS outcomes are expected to proceed quickly to market within one to two years of project completion.

To date, extensive characterisation demonstrated that the basic material under development becomes less viscous with applied stress (it is thixotropic). Optimisation has produced a unique material with interesting functionality and the fluidity necessary for successful application with a syringe. Scientists are employing three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cell culture models for testing biocompatibility. The team has developed a preliminary version of the delivery device that was tested during a clinical workshop by dental and orthopaedic surgeons. Focused feedback together with consideration of regulatory constraints are now forming the basis for optimisation of both material and delivery device.

Within two to three years of obtaining requisite approvals, products' marketing is expected to increase annual turnover of the partner SMEs by up to 200%. Sales will initially target hospitals and surgeons, whose use and generated clinical data will foster more widespread uptake. The technology will obviously provide important benefits to patients, enhance the competitiveness of the EU medical device industry and increase visibility of participating research institutes.