iP-OSTEO · Induced pluripotent stem cell seeded active osteochondral nanofibrous scaffolds

Induced pluripotent stem cell seeded active osteochondral nanofibrous scaffolds

Scientific objective of the project is the development of Induced Pluripotent Stem cells (iPSC)-based biodegradable implants for old patients affected by osteochondral defects. iPSCs are derived from terminally differentiated patient cells and re-programmed to pluripotent cells, which could be differentiated to wide range range of cell types. Specific scaffolds are being developed for patient with osteoarthritis, both fractures/osteochondral defect and osteoporosis. For this purpose, we have to develop scaffolds for both bone and cartilage. The scaffolds should be biocompatible, degradable, with a porous structure, should allow cell ingrowth, mainly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from bone marrow. The scaffolds should control MSCs or iPSC differentiation into osteoblasts, present in bone, and to chondrocytes which are present in cartilage. In order to control cell differentiation, the scaffolds contain bioactive compounds, such as phosphates, hormones and growth factors. and release them for several days or weeks. The impact of the new composite scaffold will be on older population where the incidence of trauma, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis is increased. The disability of movement associated with joint impairment leads to decreased quality of life and socioeconomic loss. With ageing of western population the problem becomes more evident and is projected that 25% of adults will have problem with joint disease (Hootman JR, 2006). Similarly, the number of osteoporotic patients (22 mio. woman and 5.5 mio. men in the EU) is rising and results in increased numbers of serious fractures. The effective therapy will decrease the number of their reoperation, will decrease the costs for surgery as well as indirect costs and will reduce the morbidity of patient and will increase the life quality of patients. OBJECTIVES: - To develop an international, intersectorial and multidisciplinary network to boost progress in the regeneration of osteochondral defects - Optimized isolation and differentiation protocols for iPSCs) for musculoskeletal use – protocols for iPSC source will be optimized to achieve reproducible reprogramming and regenerative potential with 90% reproducibility. - Nanofibrous scaffolds with optimized biological and mechanical properties – iPSCs will show complete scaffold colonization, the scaffold will enable vascular ingrowth and mechanical properties respecting needs of particular tissues. - Up-scaled and stabilized manufacturing of implants – technology will be up-scaled to form compliant with GMP manufacturing, the production rate will be at least 100 standard scaffold/day and standard-operational protocols (SOPs) will be delivered for commercialization. - Decreased re-operation of complex bone fractures and osteoarticular injuries by 20% measured by regeneration outcomes of pre-clinical studies. -Enhancement of healing of bone fractures and osteochondral defects in pre-clinical studies. -Development of a Business Plan. The Consortium will define the best strategy for future commercialization and exploitation, with special focus on the translational process for introduction of the new therapy into the European and world markets.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union