Objective
Each year an estimated 1.5 million meniscal repair surgeries are performed in the United States and Europe, making this one of the most common procedures in orthopaedics. Current clinical management involves partial or total removal of the damaged tissue, increasing osteoarthritis (OA) risk 14-fold. Conventional meniscal tissue engineering strategies have failed to recapitulate the structure, composition and cellular complexity of the native meniscus, limiting clinical translation. Moreover, they rarely address the inflammatory synovial microenvironment accompanying meniscal lesions, a key factor that impedes healing and accelerates OA progression. SMART-MENISCUS aims to develop the first genetically modified, zonally defined meniscal graft that recapitulates the complexity of the native meniscus while actively targeting synovial inflammation. The project is structured into three interconnected aims addressing the biological complexity and translational challenges of meniscus regeneration. Aim 1 will test whether human mesenchymal stem cell-derived microtissues can be 3D bioprinted into melt-electrowritten (MEW) scaffolds to generate anisotropic grafts with defined collagen architecture and load-bearing capacity and evaluate their resistance to inflammatory degradation under dynamic loading. Aim 2 will focus on the development of gene-activated constructs by integrating microRNA-loaded nanoparticles in the MEW scaffolds to control gene expression, drive regeneration and modulate post-injury inflammation. Finally, Aim 3 will engineer autologous, gene-activated, scaled-up meniscus grafts and validate their regenerative efficacy and immunomodulatory potential in a large animal model. SMART-MENISCUS will improve recovery after meniscus injuries, reduce OA risk, and minimize the need for costly medical interventions. This project will enhance functional meniscus regeneration and the quality of life for millions affected by meniscal damage and synovial joint degeneration.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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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-2026-STG
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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.
D02 CX56 Dublin
Ireland
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.