Funding tool: Basic research projects
Project-ID: FTI24-G-008
Project start: 01. Mai 2025
Project end: 30. April 2028
Runtime: 36 months / not yet started
Funding amount: € 360.000,00

Brief summary:
Mosaic plastic surgery repairs damaged cartilage, where healthy cartilage plugs from non-weight-bearing areas are transplanted. However, the challenges of this procedure, such as the limited availability of suitable donor cartilage and potential morbidity at the donor site, limit its application and effectiveness for more significant cartilage defects. This project focuses on developing a customized biphasic osteochondral tissue construct, including mesenchymal stem cells, cultivated in a specially designed bioreactor. Collagen Type 0 is used for the bone component and a combination of silk fibroin, methacrylated hyaluronic acid, and decellularized extracellular matrix for the cartilage tissue. The construct is thoroughly characterized through compatibility and cytotoxicity tests, tissue formation evaluation, and gene expression analysis. Mechanical and biotribological tests are also conducted to determine stability and friction coefficient. This project aims to fill research gaps and significantly improve the cartilage repair field through innovative approaches, providing a sustainable and efficient treatment option for osteochondral defects.

Keywords:
Biomaterial, Kollagen, Seidenfibroin, Knorpel, Knochen, Mosaikplastik, Bioreaktor