Project description
Bioinspired mandibular constructs for craniofacial bone biofabrication
Craniofacial bone defects are challenging, and donor-site limitations limit the use of autologous bone grafts. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies can be as effective as autografts, with dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) being especially promising for mandible regeneration due to their role in bone growth and neurovascularisation. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the BioMand project will develop bioinspired mandibular constructs using advanced biomaterials and mechanobiological principles. It will design 3D-printable scaffolds, induce osteogenesis in dental pulp stem cells without chemical supplements, and develop a neurovascularised mandibular bone model for preclinical studies. This initiative aims to set a benchmark for craniofacial bone biofabrication.
Objective
Craniofacial bone defects caused by trauma, infection, or tumour resection remain a major clinical challenge, with current treatment—autologous bone grafting—limited by donor site morbidity, insufficient volume, and poor restoration of function. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) therapies have entered clinical trials but show efficacy comparable only to autografts, reflecting the absence of lineage-matched, biologically functional scaffolds.
BioMand addresses this unmet need by developing bioinspired mandibular constructs integrating advanced biomaterials, mechanobiology, and neurovascularisation. Unlike the commonly used bone marrow MSCs of mesodermal origin, dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are derived from the cranial neural crest (CNC), the embryonic lineage that forms craniofacial bones and peripheral nerves. Their developmental origin makes them uniquely suited for mandibular regeneration and for coupling osteogenesis with neurovascularisation. The project pursues three objectives: (i) design and fabrication of 3D-printable mandibular scaffolds with shareable CAD files and PCL-nHA constructs, (ii) establishment of mechanically induced osteogenesis of DPSCs in bioreactors without chemical supplements, and (iii) development of a multicellular neurovascularised mandibular bone model as a human-relevant preclinical platform. This will provide the first comprehensive demonstration of mechanically induced 3D osteogenesis in lineage-matched craniofacial stem cells and establish a reproducibility benchmark for craniofacial bone biofabrication through open protocols and interoperable datasets.
The fellowship will provide the researcher with technical training in biofabrication and advanced cell culture, as well as transferable skills guided by ISO 9001:2015-certified quality management system implemented at AO Research Institute Davos (ARI).
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology environmental biotechnology bioremediation bioreactors
- engineering and technology industrial biotechnology biomaterials
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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)
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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)
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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.
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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-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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7270 Davos Platz
Switzerland
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