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Gene-activated AntiMicrobial Biomaterials for Bone regeneration

Project description

Bone scaffolds with osteogenic and antimicrobial properties

Currently, various bone defects are repaired through tissue engineering approaches. However, bone infection complications combined with the emergence of antibiotic resistance pose a significant clinical challenge. The EU-funded GAMBBa project proposes to address this problem by developing a novel technology with dual osteogenic and antimicrobial action. This innovative treatment will combine nanoparticles with non-antibiotic antimicrobial properties and collagen scaffolds that offer an environment for bone regeneration. The scaffolds will be further functionalised with genes that activate pathways implicated in tissue repair. The project is expected to advance modern bone tissue engineering and help tackle bone infections such as osteomyelitis.

Objective

Osteomyelitis, i.e. bone infection, combined with the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance globally, is currently regarded as the most devastating clinical complication when attempting to repair bone defects. This project tackles these major challenges of modern bone tissue engineering by developing a novel technology with dual osteogenic and antimicrobial action i.e. regenerative scaffolds that can eliminate bacterial infection while simultaneously providing a bioactive environment for bone growth. The specific goal of this research proposal is to develop and evaluate a new, innovative and effective treatment for osteomyelitis by combining non-antibiotic antimicrobial nanoparticles with gene-activated scaffolds for bone regeneration. Osteoconductive collagen-nanohydroxyapatite scaffolds with proven bone-healing potential will be functionalised for the sustained delivery of genetic cargoes to improve tissue repair, i.e. plasmid DNA (pBMP-2) and microRNA (antagomiR-133a), using novel technologies pioneered at Prof O’Brien’s Lab in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. The project will also study the incorporation of metal-ions, an innovative alternative to traditional antibiotics, into scaffolds and bioglasses developed at Prof Boccaccini’s Lab at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. Diligently supervised by Profs. O’Brien and Boccaccini, and guided by a Personal Career Development Plan, I will develop complementary skills in project management, entrepreneurship, commercialisation, leadership and profile enhancement. Acquiring advanced research competences and complementary skills will allow me to mature as an independent scientist, enhancing my professional visibility, capacity and competitiveness in the field of regenerative medicine. This Fellowship will significantly contribute to the achievement of my long-term career goal, which is becoming an independent scientist leading my own group focused on novel biomaterial research and development.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019

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Coordinator

ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN IRELAND
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 184 590,72
Address
ST STEPHEN'S GREEN 123
2 DUBLIN
Ireland

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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.

€ 184 590,72
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