Our Work
m2M in detail
Current methods for regenerating damaged cartilage in joints haven't been successful in creating strong, lasting tissue. Healthy cartilage has a unique, arcade-like structure of collagen fibers that gives it its strength. Existing treatments create a weaker, temporary fix that lacks this structure and breaks down over time.
Our micro2MACRO (m2M) project aims to solve this. We're developing new tissue engineering strategies that not only create cartilage-like grafts in the lab, but also guide the body's own healing process for long-term restoration. Previous attempts to add strength with biomaterial fibers haven't solved the long-term problem because they don't rebuild the natural collagen structure.
Simply bioprinting a cartilage shape isn't enough. We need to focus on regenerating that crucial collagen network. We also have to consider the body's inflammatory response and the challenges of large defects, like matching the size and shape and ensuring proper nutrient supply.
Objectives
m2M aims to revolutionise joint tissue regeneration by developing an automated platform for the high-throughput generation of phenotypically distinct microtissues (μTs). This platform will be integral in creating personalised, durable load-bearing grafts, addressing critical clinical needs in osteoarthritis treatment. The project focuses on spatially patterning these cellular aggregates, guiding their self-organisation into functional tissues. By precisely controlling cell-cell interactions and microenvironmental signals, m2M will mimic natural organogenesis. The primary goal is to produce osteochondral and maxillofacial grafts, utilising advanced bioinks and guiding structures to replicate the complex architecture of native cartilage and bone. This innovative bioprinting platform will allow for the fabrication of grafts that repair damaged joints and promote long-term tissue regeneration, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the economic burden of joint-related disabilities.
Ambition
Current joint repair methods fail to provide long-term relief and regenerate native tissue, leaving a significant gap in effective osteoarthritis treatment. m2M seeks to overcome this by creating mechanically functional, durable tissue that mimics the complex architecture of natural cartilage. The ambition is to fundamentally change how joint damage is addressed, moving beyond temporary symptom relief to proper regenerative solutions. By developing advanced bioprinting technologies, m2M aims to address the rising burden of osteoarthritis, reduce healthcare costs, and significantly improve patient outcomes. This project envisions a future where joint damage can be effectively repaired, restoring patient mobility and quality of life and alleviating the socioeconomic impact of joint-related disabilities. This innovation will pave the way for personalised regenerative therapies, setting a new standard in musculoskeletal healthcare.
Approach
The project adopts a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach, integrating expertise across bioprinting, biomaterials, and cell therapies. This collaboration focuses on developing and refining advanced bioprinting technologies, including micro-extrusion and inkjet methods, to achieve precise tissue fabrication. The project leverages innovative bioinks, incorporating growth factors and nutrients, and utilises diverse cell sources to create functional tissue constructs. A key aspect is developing a GMP-conform manufacturing process, ensuring scalability and clinical applicability. This involves rigorous in vitro and in vivo evaluations to assess graft functionality and biocompatibility. The approach also emphasises real-time monitoring and process control, ensuring reproducibility and quality. By combining technological innovation with biological understanding, m2M aims to create regenerative solutions that address the complex challenges of joint repair.
Concept
m2M will innovate by bioprinting tissues of intermediate complexity, mimicking early developmental stages, with guiding structures for in vivo maturation. It will address the challenge of regenerating tissues in damaged adult environments by creating personalised, load-bearing grafts. Adopting a converged approach will combine microtissues (μTs) with advanced bioinks and MEW scaffolds. The project will employ two distinct bioprinting strategies: pre-fabricated μT deposition and post-printing cellular aggregation to achieve native-like tissue regeneration. Key to this concept will be the development of self-sustaining bioinks with controlled nutrient and oxygen release and the integration of inflammation-responsive cells via CRISPR technology. This will allow for targeted regeneration even in challenging inflammatory conditions. The project will develop and test osteochondral grafts for knee and TMJ repair and auricular grafts for maxillofacial applications. A GMP-conform manufacturing process will be prioritised, focusing on automation, real-time monitoring, and quality control. The use of articular cartilage progenitor cells (ACPCs) and nasal chondrocytes will be explored for optimal cartilage regeneration. Integrating MEW technology will allow for mechanical reinforcement and guided tissue organisation. The project aims to overcome current bioprinting methods’ limitations by creating functional, durable tissue replacements.
Impact
SOCIETAL
Personalised, regenerative joint grafts aim to replace current treatments, reducing osteoarthritis, improving patient outcomes, and lowering healthcare costs, with a focus on sustainability.
INDUSTRIAL
Strengthening European biomanufacturing capacity and fostering collaboration between industry and clinicians will boost the competitiveness of EU SMEs and the IP environment, driving innovation in healthcare.
PHYSICIAN
Better patient outcomes by providing much-needed intervention for patients who are at a critical point to develop OA. Larger number of patients can be treated with new solutions available.
HOSPITAL
By reducing further tissue/cartilage damage and preventing knee OA, the proposed osteochondral grafts will eliminate knee OA management costs.
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL
Advance regenerative medicine through open-access research, IP generation, training of young scientists, and development of innovative multimodal implants.
SUSTAINABILITY
m2M contributes to the Sustainable Development Goal by providing access to essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, and affordable essential medicines for all.
