BIO-SCAFFOLDS

Natural inorganic polymers and smart functionalized micro-units applied in customized rapid prototyping of bioactive scaffolds

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The application of rapid prototyping techniques has become a new trend in the fabrication of customized scaffolds for tissue regeneration or repair. The aim of the proposed project is to provide novel solutions for bottle-neck problems currently faced in establishing the corresponding processing chain, which encounter, among others, the extraction of essential geometry data of the damaged tissue from medical images, e.g. CT and MRI, with a resolution sufficient enough to guide CAD/CAM-based materials manufacturing processes; the establishment of a feasible interfaces between medical imaging, CAD and CAM; and the fabrication, by rapid prototyping techniques, i.e. selective laser sintering, 3D printing and robocasting, of customized scaffolds based on an innovative morphogenetically active bio-inorganic polymer, bio-silica, either alone or in combination with another bio-inorganic polymer, bio-polyP, as well as smart micro-units. Customization of both external geometry and internal cellular architecture, and of the material properties of the scaffolds will be achieved. The main focus is the development of novel osteogenic scaffolds which obviate the need of exogenously added growth factors/cytokines in bone tissue engineering. The scaffolds made of the bioactive bio-inorganic polymers or their composites with traditional bio-ceramics will fulfil both mechanical and physiological requirements for the intended biomedical applications. In addition, this project will provide a new strategy for 3D printing of bone-forming cells by exploiting the unique advantages of cell-encapsulating bio-silica alginate hydrogels. The multidisciplinary consortium proposing this project comprises internationally top-ranked researchers in Europe and in China and includes an already established Joint Lab between European and Chinese partners providing the necessary infrastructure and competence to realize a fast integration and a proof-of-concept within the proposed 3-year funding period.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

EU-funded researchers, in collaboration with China, are developing breakthrough technologies with applications in orthopaedics and reconstructive medicine. This will enable the development of patient-specific regenerative bone implants.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Rapid prototyping techniques such as solid freeform fabrication show great promise for developing customised scaffolds that promote tissue regeneration or repair. Major bottlenecks for success include issues with interfacing medical imaging with computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), suitable scaffold materials that promote differentiation of bone precursor cells to functionally active, mineralizing osteoblasts as well as affordably manufacturing effective patient-specific bioactive scaffolds.

Under the aegis of the http://www.bioscaffolds.eu/ (BIO-SCAFFOLDS) (Natural inorganic polymers and smart functionalized micro-units applied in customized rapid prototyping of bioactive scaffolds) project, researchers are developing necessary methodologies as well as innovative bone regeneration scaffold materials that, for the first time, are morphogenetically active. Under consideration are the physiological, bioinorganic polymers biosilica and bio-polyphosphate, as well as smart micro-units consisting of nanopowder with microchannels for nutrient delivery. This would obviate the need for exogenous growth factors or cytokines to facilitate bone remodelling.

During the first project period, considerable progress was made with regard to developing 3D modelling software and interfacing CAD/CAM with imaging and surgical navigation systems for implant placement, and in applying advanced scaffold materials to fabricate individualized implants by 3D printing and robocasting procedures.

Researchers developed techniques that aided in successful synthesis and optimisation of scaffolds made from biomaterials such as hydroxyapatite and nanoceramics. They used biocatalytically active recombinant silicatein for 3D printing and 3D cell printing (bioprinting). Through such methodologies, they successfully prepared hydroxyapatite foam and ceramic foam, and manufactured ceramic scaffolds via 3D milling of ceramic foam.

BIO-SCAFFOLDS successfully utilised 3D bioprinting of bone-forming cells to encapsulate them in biosilica- or polyphosphate-based alginate hydrogels. A first of its kind, such morphogenetically active scaffolds have the ability to promote bone growth and remodelling while being biocompatible and biodegradable. Characterisation and preclinical test results with the novel biomaterials, biosilica and biopolyphosphate, or different biopolymer combinations with adjustable hardness were also highly encouraging.

New patent applications have been made, adding on to the existing patent portfolio of the project partners. Results were disseminated via 23 publications in high-impact journals, a book on biomedical inorganic polymers, and presentations at international and national conferences and business fairs (see also article published in http://horizon-magazine.eu/article/live-cells-could-be-used-reconstruct-faces_en.html (Horizon Magazine of the European Commission) on 2 April 2014).

Commercial application of such customised implants to treat traumatic or osteoporotic bone fractures is urgently needed in the ageing societies of developed countries. Such advanced medical products will also enhance the competitiveness of European businesses in this sector.