Objective Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful joint disorder affecting millions of sufferers worldwide, and occurs through formation oflesions followed by degradation of the articular cartilage layer coating the major joints. Repair of such lesions via tissueengineering has been one of the most promising directions for alleviating OA. The rationale behind this is that the cartilage lesions regenerate after implantation of a scaffolding matrix incorporating desired cell types. Limited clinical success partially originated from the lack of suitable interfacial properties of the scaffolds. We have applied recently revealed concepts on hydration interactions (on some of which we hold a patent), which, we believe, will lead to a significant advance inscaffold-based treatment of cartilage lesions. This applies in particular to the development of scaffolds with modified interfacial properties, which are essential for repairs of large lesions. This is realized by fabricating suitable scaffolds with suitable additives, whose properties form an integral part of our associated ERC project. This Proof of Concept project,which thus ties in closely with our ERC project, consists of several workpackages. An integral part of the plan of work will establish proof of the feasibility of the idea through modification, characterization and mechanical fine-tuning of scaffolds for cartilage compatibility. The other workpackages, which are at the heart of this project, will examine the prospects of commercializing such scaffolds for clinical applications, via multifaceted market studies; identification of possible partners;and development of an appropriate business model. Fields of science medical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologytissue engineeringsocial scienceseconomics and businessbusiness and managementbusiness modelsengineering and technologymaterials engineeringcoating and films Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-OA-2012-PoC - European Research Council ERC Proof of Concept Call for proposal ERC-2012-PoC See other projects for this call Funding Scheme CSA-SA(POC) - Supporting action (Proof of Concept) Host institution WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE EU contribution € 149 999,76 Address HERZL STREET 234 7610001 Rehovot Israel See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Gabi Bernstein (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE Israel EU contribution € 149 999,76 Address HERZL STREET 234 7610001 Rehovot See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Gabi Bernstein (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
