Project description
New scaffolds to heal knee injuries and prevent arthritis
Meniscal tears are the most common knee injuries and a leading cause of osteoarthritis, yet current treatments only slow disease progression without true repair. Backed by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the GEMGEL project will develop a novel, layered scaffold that closely mimics the meniscus’s complex structure and mechanics. Using melt electrowriting combined with machine learning, the project will create microfibre-reinforced hydrogels designed to stimulate the tissue’s natural regenerative abilities via gene-activated delivery. Guided by experts in hydrogels, 3D printing, and gene therapy, GEMGEL aims to revolutionise meniscus repair through an innovative regenerative therapy. This breakthrough could pave the way for more effective, longer-lasting treatments that restore knee function and prevent osteoarthritis.
Objective
Meniscal tears are the most prevalent injuries of the knee joint and a major contributing factor to osteoarthritis (OA) development. Current treatments cannot effectively repair meniscus and only delay the onset of OA. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) approaches aim to promote the regenerative capacity of the tissue; however, this is hindered by the challenges of replicating the complex microenvironment of the tissue coupled with its intrinsic avascularity. My overarching aim is to develop an innovative zonal load bearing scaffold through melt electrowriting optimised using a machine learning approach to mimic meniscus biomechanics and extra cellular matrix (ECM) architecture. This will be integrated with corresponding zonal gene activated hydrogels using transcription factors implicated in meniscus regeneration to induce intrinsic regenerative capabilities. Prof. Khademhosseini (Terasaki Institute; outgoing phase), has extensive experience in hydrogels, 3D printing and stem cells. I will develop a 3D layered microfibre reinforced hydrogel scaffold mimicking the collagen architecture, biochemical and biomechanical properties of the meniscus and test its biological performance using human stem cells. Prof. Fergal O’Brien (RCSI; return phase), has extensive experience in scaffold-mediated gene therapy, particularly for musculoskeletal applications. Using techniques established in his group, I will develop zonally gene-activated scaffolds that can be used as a local delivery system in a radically new regenerative therapy for meniscus tears. Under the supervision of Prof. O’Brien and Khademhosseini, who will guide my Career Development Plan, I will develop key complementary skills in project management, entrepreneurship, commercialization, dissemination and leadership. These, along with advanced research competencies, will help me become an independent scientist, enhancing my visibility and competitiveness in in the TERM field.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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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-TMA-MSCA-PF-GF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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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 YN77 DUBLIN 2
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.