Project description
Collagen networks in articular cartilage for durable implants
Effective ways to regenerate damaged tissues in the body need to be identified. Cell-based tissue engineering approaches require more precise organisation regarding biomechanical properties, functionality, and mechanical stability. The inability to provide a lasting cure for mechanically challenged tissues, such as articular cartilage, remains a significant issue. The ERC-funded Re-COLL project aims to understand the formation and integration of collagen networks in articular cartilage to create durable implants for damaged joints. This project will study the factors influencing collagen network formation and develop larger tissue grafts to guide structural organisation and integration. Ultimately, it seeks to advance orthopaedic regeneration by creating more functional biosimilars to restore tissue anisotropy in patients.
Objective
How can we durably regenerate damaged tissues in our body? At present, the answer to this question is largely unknown. Cell-based tissue engineering approaches can be used to produce living implants in the laboratory with a composition that is not unlike real tissues. However, the collagen-based matrix within such structures often lacks the specific intricate organisation that is imperative for the required biomechanical properties, functionality and mechanical stability. This is the cause of our inability to provide a durable cure for damaged tissues that are mechanically challenged, such as articular cartilage. In Re-COLL, I aim to unravel the triggers that underlie the formation, guidance and integration of the structural anisotropic collagen networks in articular cartilage and leverage biofabrication technologies and biointerface engineering to generate durable implants for the restoration of damaged joints. With my multidisciplinary team, I will identify the (bio)chemical, physical and mechanical factors that can influence the formation and integration of the engineered collagen engineered collagen network. For this purpose, I will create unique in vitro and ex vivo models specifically designed for studying the organisation of anisotropic collagen networks in cartilage tissue. With the generated new insights, I will engineer larger tissue grafts that allow the guidance of the structural collagen organisation, as well as its integration within the recipient. To delineate the interplay between the anisotropic collagen networks and tissue function, I will extensively evaluate the performance of cartilage grafts at the tissue and organ level. Through Re-COLL, I will advance the scientific field of orthopaedic regeneration by tackling major gaps in knowledge and technology to set the fundamentals for engineering more functional and stable biosimilars that can restore tissue anisotropy in patients.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2023-ADG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
3584 CX Utrecht
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.