Flagship 2: Materials-driven in situ tissue regeneration

Chairs: Carlijn Bouten, Pamela Habibovic

2.1 Materials-driven in situ heart valve regeneration

Supramolecular biomaterials with optimized mechanical, bioactive and degradative properties towards a cell-free biodegradable synthetic starter matrix. This will provide a new concept for pulmonary and aortic heart valve replacement.

2.2 Materials-driven in situ artery regeneration

Obtain in-depth understanding of scaffold-to-artery transformation using in vitro and computational models. Ultimately, the goal is to develop an off-the-shelf synthetic scaffold that transforms into living arteries in situ.

2.3 Materials-driven in situ bone regeneration   

The development of synthetic, osteonductive bone grafts that can be used in load-bearing clinical applications. By understanding biomineralization and controlling the rate of new bone formation and material degradation, we aim to regenerate critical bone defects without the loss of mechanical support.

2.4 Materials-driven in situ cartilage and intervertebral disc regeneration 

Tissue regeneration will be guided by the use of intelligent biomaterials, which can initially fulfil the mechanical requirements. At the same time, physico-chemical cues derived from integration of joint loading and biomaterial properties will be utilised towards this goal.