Algal scaffolds for rebuilding bone tissue
TE refers to the ‘building’ of functional tissue, either within the body or externally, for implant, to restore or enhance function in compromised individuals. European researchers initiated the Hippocrates project to develop advanced functional materials based on natural substances from plants and algae for use in bone, cartilage and osteochondral TE. They set out to create scaffolds from these natural materials on which to ‘build’ new tissue. Using advanced three-dimensional (3D) visualisation software enhanced by consortium members, they studied the design of scaffolds customised to an individual patient’s case. Scientists were interested in developing the methods to produce the scaffold designs and to modify them, for example by incorporating growth factors, to further enhance tissue growth. An excellent cooperation in which each member of the consortium focused on specific individually marketable steps led to development of new knowledge necessary to introduce new products in the identified therapeutic areas.
