Title: Integrate: Engineering durable biocompatible & non-immunogenic 3D bioprinted cartilage
Funder: Action Medical Research

Abstract: Background_x000D_ Over half a million people in the UK are estimated to have a significant facial disfigurement. This includes children and young people born with absent or malformed facial features and those affected by trauma, burns or cancer. Many people experience long-term emotional or physical problems as a result of looking different. This can be especially hard for young people, resulting in a lack of confidence and avoidance of social situations. It may also affect their educational achievements and future employment prospects. _x000D_ Surgeons rebuilding facial features often need to 'harvest' tissue from other parts of the body which causes additional scarring and pain. An alternative approach is to use synthetic (man-made) implants, but these carry a higher risk of infection, rejection or deformation. Tissue engineered cartilage implants using patients' own cells has the potential to circumvent these issues. _x000D_ _x000D_ The research project_x000D_ The team has investigated a 'bio-ink' containing a biologically-inspired material, nanocellulose, which, in a previous study also funded by Action, has been shown to have excellent properties for 3D bioprinting. The ultimate aim is to use this bio-ink loaded with patients' own cells to create precise, patient-specific, cartilage implants by 3D printing. The researchers have already successfully isolated cartilage-specific stem cells from human nasal tissue. _x000D_ This study is focussed on investigating the biocompatibility of the cartilage implants. It is essential that they are accepted by host tissues and do not provoke unwanted effects, for example, significant immune responses which could result in rejection. The aims of the study are therefore to: 1) establish the biological impact of the nanocellulose-based biomaterial and 2) to 'fine-tune' the bio-ink to maximise successful implantation. If successful, children with facial disfigurements could benefit from safer and less invasive corrective surgery at an early age. _x000D_ _x000D_ Action Medical Research is very grateful for the generous support of The VTCT Foundation towards this Fellowship._x000D_ _x000D_

Lay abstract: Background_x000D_ Over half a million people in the UK are estimated to have a significant facial disfigurement. This includes children and young people born with absent or malformed facial features and those affected by trauma, burns or cancer. Many people experience long-term emotional or physical problems as a result of looking different. This can be especially hard for young people, resulting in a lack of confidence and avoidance of social situations. It may also affect their educational achievements and future employment prospects. _x000D_ Surgeons rebuilding facial features often need to 'harvest' tissue from other parts of the body which causes additional scarring and pain. An alternative approach is to use synthetic (man-made) implants, but these carry a higher risk of infection, rejection or deformation. Tissue engineered cartilage implants using patients' own cells has the potential to circumvent these issues. _x000D_ _x000D_ The research project_x000D_ The team has investigated a 'bio-ink' containing a biologically-inspired material, nanocellulose, which, in a previous study also funded by Action, has been shown to have excellent properties for 3D bioprinting. The ultimate aim is to use this bio-ink loaded with patients' own cells to create precise, patient-specific, cartilage implants by 3D printing. The researchers have already successfully isolated cartilage-specific stem cells from human nasal tissue. _x000D_ This study is focussed on investigating the biocompatibility of the cartilage implants. It is essential that they are accepted by host tissues and do not provoke unwanted effects, for example, significant immune responses which could result in rejection. The aims of the study are therefore to: 1) establish the biological impact of the nanocellulose-based biomaterial and 2) to 'fine-tune' the bio-ink to maximise successful implantation. If successful, children with facial disfigurements could benefit from safer and less invasive corrective surgery at an early age. _x000D_ _x000D_ Action Medical Research is very grateful for the generous support of The VTCT Foundation towards this Fellowship._x000D_ _x000D_

Research activity codes: 5.2 CELLULAR AND GENE THERAPIES;5.3 MEDICAL DEVICES
Health categories: MUSCULOSKELETAL