Objetivo
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.
Ámbito científico
Convocatoria de propuestas
ERC-2012-StG_20111012
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Régimen de financiación
ERC-SG - ERC Starting GrantInstitución de acogida
E1 4NS London
Reino Unido