FibrogelNet - Network for development of soft nanofibrous construct for cellular therapy of degenerative skeletal disorders

High incidence of degenerative skeletal tissue disorders in a progressively aging human population make tissue engineering of cartilage and bone a focus of extensive research. Bone and joint disorders are the most common disease in Europe: more than 100 million European citizens suffer from arthritis and 19 million people have osteoporosis (one of three women and one of eight men are affected). This project is designed to supplement the existing EuroNanoMed project aimed to develop an innovative strategy for targeting bone and cartilage regeneration. More specifically the project seeks to set up an international multidisciplinary team of young scientists and engineers representing both academia and industry partners that will strongly contribute to the design of a novel type of implant, which can strongly promote tissue regeneration combining high performance materials, advanced nanotechnology and living cells.