Objective This work proposes the development of novel material and fabrication platforms to generate strong, tunable, and highly biomimetic nanofibrous hydrogel scaffolds with an unparalleled level of control of both signaling and mechanical properties. The break-through element is the combination of elastin-like polymers (ELPs) and self-assembling peptide amphiphiles (PAs) to create nanofibrous hydrogels with an unprecedented combination of strength, tenability, and bioactivity. The proposed work aims to provide solutions to the current main limitations of self-assembling hydrogels. In addition, it describes novel fabrication methods to create unique biomimetic environments. The work is divided into 2 work packages. The first Work Package (WP1) aims to develop two material platforms designed to combine the benefits of ELPs and PAs. The second Work Package (WP2) aims to develop scaffold fabrication platforms with unprecedented complexity and precision exhibiting defined hierarchical features and spatio-temporal control of physical and chemical signals designed for cartilage or disc therapies. All the scaffolds will be validated in vitro using human cells. This is a critical component for the generation of human-based models and more efficient regenerative therapies. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesnatural scienceschemical sciencespolymer sciences 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-SG-PE5 - ERC Starting Grant - Materials and Synthesis Call for proposal ERC-2012-StG_20111012 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution QUEEN MARY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON EU contribution € 1 492 686,00 Address 327 MILE END ROAD E1 4NS London United Kingdom See on map Region London Inner London — East Tower Hamlets Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Greg Dow (Mr.) Principal investigator Alvaro Mata Chavarria (Dr.) 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 QUEEN MARY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON United Kingdom EU contribution € 1 492 686,00 Address 327 MILE END ROAD E1 4NS London See on map Region London Inner London — East Tower Hamlets Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Greg Dow (Mr.) Principal investigator Alvaro Mata Chavarria (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data