Recipient: RWTH Aachen University
Funding: GO-Bio initial conceptual phase 4 (01/10/2023 to 30/09/2024, EUR 119,997.64)

Project description:

Tendons and ligaments are an essential part of the musculoskeletal system. Ruptures of these parts of the body are often sports injuries or the result of accidents. The most common current method of treatment is the use of autologous grafts. In this case the body’s own ligament is removed from another location and transplanted to replace it in the injured area. Deficiencies of this method are the limited availability, the surgical injury at the donor site and the associated additional pain for patients.

In this project a tissue engineering approach aims to develop a replacement structure for ligaments and vision that restores function. A cell carrier structure (scaffold) is developed for this purpose, which temporarily takes over the tissue function and is broken down by the body while cells settle and the tissue is regenerated. The scaffold is made of a new degradable and braided material to replicate the natural structure and optimal design for tensile stress. In the exploratory phase a concept for the best possible recycling of the belt replacement is to be developed. To this end an IP strategy is to be developed, the market and competition will be analysed and an implementation plan for the subsequent feasibility phase will be drawn up.