Periodic Reporting for period 3 - InterLynk (Human Platelet Lysates-based Scaffolds for Interfacial Multi-tissue Repair)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2024-02-01 do 2025-07-31
Maxillofacial trauma from accidents or disease affects millions, impacting appearance, eating, and speaking, and can cause physiological and social issues. Recreating native tissue architecture is complex, and current scaffolds often fail due to weak support and inflammation.
InterLynk intends to develop a new regenerative strategy, i.e. a 3D printed structure composed of two or more biocompatible materials with light-responsive features. This structure, or scaffold, would be patient-specific and able to repair more than a type of tissue, namely, bone, tendon and/or cartilage.
To accomplish this idea, 5 Specific Objectives (SOs) were defined in this project.
- SO1 proposes the development of 3 printable biomaterial-based inks consisting of human platelet lysates as main matrix and combined with calcium phosphate ceramics and naringin therapeutic drug, respectively.
- SO2 consists on the upgrading of a 3D printer with photocuring and electrospray/writing heads so that multimaterial scaffolds can be successfully fabricated.
- SO3 involves a new computational toolbox for modulating the materials’ integration and manufacturing process.
- SO4 proposes the in vivo validation of the multimaterial printed scaffolds in a sheep model.
- SO5 envisages the creation of a user committee of stakeholders to implement strategies for overviewing and guiding the project decisions.
InterLynk intends to develop a new regenerative strategy, i.e. a 3D printed structure composed of two or more biocompatible materials with light-responsive features. This structure, or scaffold, would be patient-specific and able to repair more than a type of tissue, namely, bone, tendon and/or cartilage.
To accomplish this idea, 5 Specific Objectives (SOs) were defined in this project.
- SO1 proposes the development of 3 printable biomaterial-based inks consisting of human platelet lysates as main matrix and combined with calcium phosphate ceramics and naringin therapeutic drug, respectively.
- SO2 consists on the upgrading of a 3D printer with photocuring and electrospray/writing heads so that multimaterial scaffolds can be successfully fabricated.
- SO3 involves a new computational toolbox for modulating the materials’ integration and manufacturing process.
- SO4 proposes the in vivo validation of the multimaterial printed scaffolds in a sheep model.
- SO5 envisages the creation of a user committee of stakeholders to implement strategies for overviewing and guiding the project decisions.
From February 2020 to July 2025, the InterLynk project achieved major advances in developing xeno-free, platelet lysate–based biomaterials and hybrid additive manufacturing (AM) technologies for multimaterial scaffolds targeting interfacial tissue regeneration.
In the first phase, the consortium established the foundations by creating the first photopolymerizable human platelet lysate (hPLMA) and composite inks incorporating calcium phosphate and bioactive molecules. The Print&Cure prototype and Netscience management platform were launched, ensuring effective coordination, data traceability, and communication.
During the 2nd reporting period, 6 functional inks were optimized—PLMAdn, its HAp-enriched version, and four CaP-based formulations. Computational and mechanical modeling validated their superior stiffness and predictability. Hardware upgrades enabled integration of electrospinning/electromelting modules into the 3D-Bioplotter (TRL 8), allowing true hybrid fabrication. Early in vivo assays confirmed biocompatibility and safety, leading to a patent for the PL-based bioink. Dissemination expanded through the Tissue Trek educational videogame and targeted stakeholder engagement.
In the final phase, integration and validation were completed. A critical-sized rat defect study demonstrated the regenerative efficacy of PLMAdn multimaterial scaffolds, confirming translational potential for bone augmentation and dental applications. A 6-month extension ensured completion of delayed deliverables due to material reformulations and logistics.
Under WP6, major dissemination milestones were reached: the InterLynk website was redesigned with expanded resources; 12 peer-reviewed papers, 32 oral communications, and 14 posters were published; and social media engagement more than doubled. The project was also featured in Scientix EU, reaching over 4,000 educators.
Exploitation activities defined business plans for key exploitable results:
Platelet Lysate–based Ready-to-Print Biomaterial System,
Multimaterial 3D-Bioplotter Modules,
Educational Game & CMS Platform.
Key partner results include:
Metatissue: Two validated bioink platforms with market potential, ISO 9001:2015 certification, and a roadmap to TRL 5–6.
UAVR: New human-derived and CaP-based inks, hybrid materials, and CAD-optimized scaffolds.
UM: Advanced printing strategies for low-viscosity inks and tri-material hybrid scaffolds.
EnvisionTEC: TRL 8 Print&Cure head and hybrid electrospinning modules for multimaterial AM.
INEGI: Predictive computational framework for scaffold mechanics.
C-UMB: In silico mandibular model, biomechanical validation, and TMJ tissue imaging.
Kuros: Regulatory-compliant 3D-printable CaP materials beyond spinal fusion.
Promoscience: Redesigned website, educational videogame, and new CMS platform for sustainable dissemination.
In the first phase, the consortium established the foundations by creating the first photopolymerizable human platelet lysate (hPLMA) and composite inks incorporating calcium phosphate and bioactive molecules. The Print&Cure prototype and Netscience management platform were launched, ensuring effective coordination, data traceability, and communication.
During the 2nd reporting period, 6 functional inks were optimized—PLMAdn, its HAp-enriched version, and four CaP-based formulations. Computational and mechanical modeling validated their superior stiffness and predictability. Hardware upgrades enabled integration of electrospinning/electromelting modules into the 3D-Bioplotter (TRL 8), allowing true hybrid fabrication. Early in vivo assays confirmed biocompatibility and safety, leading to a patent for the PL-based bioink. Dissemination expanded through the Tissue Trek educational videogame and targeted stakeholder engagement.
In the final phase, integration and validation were completed. A critical-sized rat defect study demonstrated the regenerative efficacy of PLMAdn multimaterial scaffolds, confirming translational potential for bone augmentation and dental applications. A 6-month extension ensured completion of delayed deliverables due to material reformulations and logistics.
Under WP6, major dissemination milestones were reached: the InterLynk website was redesigned with expanded resources; 12 peer-reviewed papers, 32 oral communications, and 14 posters were published; and social media engagement more than doubled. The project was also featured in Scientix EU, reaching over 4,000 educators.
Exploitation activities defined business plans for key exploitable results:
Platelet Lysate–based Ready-to-Print Biomaterial System,
Multimaterial 3D-Bioplotter Modules,
Educational Game & CMS Platform.
Key partner results include:
Metatissue: Two validated bioink platforms with market potential, ISO 9001:2015 certification, and a roadmap to TRL 5–6.
UAVR: New human-derived and CaP-based inks, hybrid materials, and CAD-optimized scaffolds.
UM: Advanced printing strategies for low-viscosity inks and tri-material hybrid scaffolds.
EnvisionTEC: TRL 8 Print&Cure head and hybrid electrospinning modules for multimaterial AM.
INEGI: Predictive computational framework for scaffold mechanics.
C-UMB: In silico mandibular model, biomechanical validation, and TMJ tissue imaging.
Kuros: Regulatory-compliant 3D-printable CaP materials beyond spinal fusion.
Promoscience: Redesigned website, educational videogame, and new CMS platform for sustainable dissemination.
Progress beyond the state of the art
InterLynk advanced regenerative medicine by developing xeno-free, photopolymerizable platelet lysate (PL)-based biomaterials with tunable mechanical and biological properties. Six inks were created, from pristine PLMAdn hydrogels to ceramic- and drug-enriched composites, enabling integration of bioactive human-derived matrices with structural ceramics in multimaterial scaffolds.
A hybrid 3D additive manufacturing workflow combined a TRL 8 Print&Cure head with electrospinning/melt electrowriting modules on a single platform, enabling spatially organized multimaterial constructs. An in silico framework linking scaffold architecture, patient imaging, and mechano-biological response was validated in mandibular and femoral models.
Early in vivo and eHTA results confirmed safety, biocompatibility, scalability, and strong clinical translation potential.
Expected results until project end
InterLynk will validate multimaterial scaffolds in critical-sized defect models, finalize sustainability and scalability guidelines for PL-based products, and consolidate business plans.
The lead product — a 10×10×10 mm PLMAdn bone augmentation scaffold — is expected to reach readiness for pre-clinical development, supported by a defined regulatory pathway and industrial-scale production strategy.
Potential impacts
Clinically, PLMAdn scaffolds may reduce reliance on autografts and allografts, lowering morbidity, rehabilitation time, and infection risks.
Economically, scalable manufacturing and competitive pricing (~90€ per device) position the solution as a cost-effective option for dental clinics, targeting ~70,000 annual procedures in Germany alone.
Industrial outcomes include a biomaterial platform, upgraded 3D-bioprinting capabilities, and digital dissemination tools, reinforcing Europe’s leadership in biofabrication.
Wider societal implications
By delivering safer, personalized, and sustainable biomaterials, InterLynk supports EU health innovation and eco-efficiency objectives. Expanding from rare TMJ cases to widely applicable bone augmentation maximizes public health impact and accelerates accessibility.
Policy relevance
InterLynk aligns with EU priorities in advanced materials and contributes to the objectives of the Towards an Advanced Materials Act initiative. The project demonstrates how multidisciplinary integration — spanning materials science, engineering, biology, clinical expertise, modelling, industry, and regulatory assessment — accelerates safe and scalable innovation.
By combining multimaterial manufacturing, pre-clinical validation, sustainability, and market readiness, InterLynk reduces technological and regulatory risks, shortens translation timelines, and strengthens Europe’s strategic autonomy in health-related advanced materials.
The project supports future implementation of the Advanced Materials Act by positioning collaborative research as a driver of competitiveness, resilience, and responsible innovation in the EU.
InterLynk advanced regenerative medicine by developing xeno-free, photopolymerizable platelet lysate (PL)-based biomaterials with tunable mechanical and biological properties. Six inks were created, from pristine PLMAdn hydrogels to ceramic- and drug-enriched composites, enabling integration of bioactive human-derived matrices with structural ceramics in multimaterial scaffolds.
A hybrid 3D additive manufacturing workflow combined a TRL 8 Print&Cure head with electrospinning/melt electrowriting modules on a single platform, enabling spatially organized multimaterial constructs. An in silico framework linking scaffold architecture, patient imaging, and mechano-biological response was validated in mandibular and femoral models.
Early in vivo and eHTA results confirmed safety, biocompatibility, scalability, and strong clinical translation potential.
Expected results until project end
InterLynk will validate multimaterial scaffolds in critical-sized defect models, finalize sustainability and scalability guidelines for PL-based products, and consolidate business plans.
The lead product — a 10×10×10 mm PLMAdn bone augmentation scaffold — is expected to reach readiness for pre-clinical development, supported by a defined regulatory pathway and industrial-scale production strategy.
Potential impacts
Clinically, PLMAdn scaffolds may reduce reliance on autografts and allografts, lowering morbidity, rehabilitation time, and infection risks.
Economically, scalable manufacturing and competitive pricing (~90€ per device) position the solution as a cost-effective option for dental clinics, targeting ~70,000 annual procedures in Germany alone.
Industrial outcomes include a biomaterial platform, upgraded 3D-bioprinting capabilities, and digital dissemination tools, reinforcing Europe’s leadership in biofabrication.
Wider societal implications
By delivering safer, personalized, and sustainable biomaterials, InterLynk supports EU health innovation and eco-efficiency objectives. Expanding from rare TMJ cases to widely applicable bone augmentation maximizes public health impact and accelerates accessibility.
Policy relevance
InterLynk aligns with EU priorities in advanced materials and contributes to the objectives of the Towards an Advanced Materials Act initiative. The project demonstrates how multidisciplinary integration — spanning materials science, engineering, biology, clinical expertise, modelling, industry, and regulatory assessment — accelerates safe and scalable innovation.
By combining multimaterial manufacturing, pre-clinical validation, sustainability, and market readiness, InterLynk reduces technological and regulatory risks, shortens translation timelines, and strengthens Europe’s strategic autonomy in health-related advanced materials.
The project supports future implementation of the Advanced Materials Act by positioning collaborative research as a driver of competitiveness, resilience, and responsible innovation in the EU.