A new project has started within the Open Innovation ecosystem Personalised Implants

The new project, under the title “More Science than Fiction: growing spare parts ex vivo” is going to investigate the use of bioplastics for production of 3D printed mesh scaffolds that support cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and maturation (Fig. 1). These scaffolds, made with biocompatible and, importantly, biodegradable materials. The biodegradation will be exactly tuned by addition of specific enzymes, thereby removing the scaffold in a tissue friendly manner

prior to implantation. This allows tailor made, functional, and ideally ‘self-only’ grafts to heal problematic skin wounds, developed, for example, by type 2 diabetes patients or to treat cartilage injuries in time preventing degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis.

The project is led by the Research Centre Biobased Economy (KCBBE) of the Hanze University of Applied Sciences (Dr. Jeroen Siebring) which has a strong foundation for biopolymer sciences. Project partners include: the UMCG Department of Pathology and Medical Biology (Prof. Marco Harmsen) with essential expertise in generation of organ-derived extracellular matrix and regenerative medicine; the biofabrication group (Dr. Gosia Wlodarczyk-Biegun) of the RUG ZIAM Institute which brings expertise in tissue and polymer mesh hybrid materials using melt electrowriting; and the regional companies EV Biotech which designs and creates bacterial cell factories and H&P Moulding which provides bioplastic moulding facilities and GMP experience for production of medical grade products.

The project is the latest addition to the Personalised Implants ecosystem which aims to optimize the implant production chain to deliver personalized solutions in a shorter time, with improved infection-resistant properties and increased functionality. The ecosystem was made possible by the European Regional Development Fund (EFRO), which is coordinated in the North by SNN, with co-financing from the Municipality of Groningen, Province Groningen and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate.

The ecosystem includes several manufacturers and R&D companies, such as Witec Fijnmechanische Techniek, Polyvation, Bether Encapsulates, VDL Wentjes, Smart Polymers, Innovizie, Elbo Technics and Biomacs. Additionally, research and clinical expertise are brought in by the UMCG clinical departments of the 3DLab, the Oral and Maxillofacial Department and Traumasurgery along with Biomedical Engineering

We are very happy with this new project to be added to the other four innovation projects that are already running. We hope to achieve many more great results together with all our regional partners of the innovation projects! For more information about the PI-Ecosystem, please visit Home - PI (personalisedimplants.nl)