Register now After registration you will be able to apply for this opportunity online.
This opportunity is not published. No applications will be accepted.
Autologous biomaterial for bone repair
The regeneration of bone defects still constitutes a major clinical challenge. New approaches use additive manufacturing technology (3D printing) and autologous cells. Here we propose to develop an autologous ink, based on platelet-rich-plasma for the biofabrication of customized bone implants.
Keywords: Tissue engineering; Bone Healing; 3D printing; platelet rich plasma; mesenchymal stem cells
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is prepared out of patients' own blood. PRP treatment has shown beneficial outcome in many human and veterinary medical applications, including tendon and craniomaxillofacial/ dentistry repair. Being autologous, the production and use of PRP in form of an injectable gel or spray is widely accepted in the clinic. However, PRP gels present high degradation rates and poor mechanical properties.
In the present study we aim to improve the physical properties of PRP gels towards printability and controllable degradability.
In the first part of this project, we will further explore and optimize PRP gelation, rheological properties and improve PRP mechanical properties (Fig 1). Several curing agents (thrombin, CaCl2, PRP gel) and FDA approved adjuvants will be tested (e.g. PVA).
The resulting bio-ink formulations will be tested for their viscosity, injectability, swelling, degradation and mechanical properties.
The 2nd part of this study will focus on the biological evaluation of the PRP based biomaterials, regarding their osteogenic and/or angiogenic capacities, using time-lapse microscopy techniques (Fig 2). Cellularized materials will be manufactured with mixed populations of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSCs) and endothelial cells.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is prepared out of patients' own blood. PRP treatment has shown beneficial outcome in many human and veterinary medical applications, including tendon and craniomaxillofacial/ dentistry repair. Being autologous, the production and use of PRP in form of an injectable gel or spray is widely accepted in the clinic. However, PRP gels present high degradation rates and poor mechanical properties.
In the present study we aim to improve the physical properties of PRP gels towards printability and controllable degradability.
In the first part of this project, we will further explore and optimize PRP gelation, rheological properties and improve PRP mechanical properties (Fig 1). Several curing agents (thrombin, CaCl2, PRP gel) and FDA approved adjuvants will be tested (e.g. PVA). The resulting bio-ink formulations will be tested for their viscosity, injectability, swelling, degradation and mechanical properties.
The 2nd part of this study will focus on the biological evaluation of the PRP based biomaterials, regarding their osteogenic and/or angiogenic capacities, using time-lapse microscopy techniques (Fig 2). Cellularized materials will be manufactured with mixed populations of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSCs) and endothelial cells.
This work will provide the basis to develop novel printable bioactive autologous based biomaterials for the biological repair of bone tissue. The student will get insight into a variety of different physico-chemical and biological evaluation techniques. First, native PRP's physical and mechanical properties will be compared to improved formulations using FDA approved adjuvants. The printability (3D printing) of the bioink formulations will be optimized and tested in presence and absence of cells, and the biological evaluation of the newly developed bioinks will involve cell culture technique as well as different analytical methods (biochemistry, molecular biology, histology and biomechanical properties).
The project takes place at AO Davos
This work will provide the basis to develop novel printable bioactive autologous based biomaterials for the biological repair of bone tissue. The student will get insight into a variety of different physico-chemical and biological evaluation techniques. First, native PRP's physical and mechanical properties will be compared to improved formulations using FDA approved adjuvants. The printability (3D printing) of the bioink formulations will be optimized and tested in presence and absence of cells, and the biological evaluation of the newly developed bioinks will involve cell culture technique as well as different analytical methods (biochemistry, molecular biology, histology and biomechanical properties).
The project takes place at AO Davos
Dr. Sophie Verrier (sophie.verrier@aofoundation.org)
Dr. Sophie Verrier (sophie.verrier@aofoundation.org)