How can a sponge wipe away arthritis?
Cartilage, the tissue that lines the surface of our synovial joints in our ankles, elbows, hips and knees, cannot repair itself, and thins as we get older. In some cases, this can result in the need for major surgery such as hip replacement. The ReCaP project, supported by the European Research Council built on previous work to design treatments that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue. The project has now been featured in the CORDIS series of explanatory videos titled ‘Make the connection with EU science’. “We developed a biomaterial that mimics the structure of native cartilage,” explains project coordinator Fergal O’Brien from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. By combining collagen with other substances in cartilage, the team created a synthetic material that acts like a sponge when implanted into damaged tissue, soaking up cells and directing them to repair the surrounding tissue. The team improved the scaffold by 3D-printing a mechanically sound synthetic polymer, which was then impregnated with a softer natural polymer, making a tough yet flexible material. The project is now working with injured athletes from the Irish Rugby Football Union Charitable Trust to advance the concept. ‘Make the connection with EU science’ is a series of explanatory videos focusing on the scientific content and exploitation aspects of EU research projects.
Keywords
ReCaP, cartilage, 3D printing, gene therapeutics, implants, inflammation, osteoarthritis