TRR 67: Functional Biomaterials for Controlling Healing Processes in Bone und Skin - From Material Science to Clinical Application

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The demographic trends in Germany and other industrialized nations result in a considerable increase in patients with bone defects and chronic wounds. This requires the development of novel functional biomaterials, which improve bone and skin regeneration in an aging, multimorbid population. New knowledge about the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) for the regeneration of tissues opens new opportunities for the design of innovative biomaterials. The structure and composition of ECM significantly influences cellular differentiation and function and the healing of tissues. The aim of the TRR 67 is to develop and investigate novel functional biomaterials based on artificial (a) ECM. Essential functional components of these materials are glycosaminoglycan derivatives and proteoglycan analogues in combination with structural proteins or synthetic carrier substances.In the current second funding period of the TRR 67, we demonstrated that certain aECM -based biomaterials facilitate healing processes in bone and skin; moreover the underlying molecular mechanisms could be identified. In the third funding period, the objective will be taken to a more complex level, by endowing the biomaterials with several functionalities in order to adapt them to the specific requirements of the different phases of regeneration in bone and skin. For example, biomaterials will be designed which combine anti-inflammatory, wound healing promoting with antibacterial or good adhesive properties. Furthermore, we shall investigate the molecular mechanisms by which these multifunctional biomaterials influence regenerative processes within tissues. In order to strengthen the translational aspect, the multifunctional aECM-based biomaterials will be incorporated in implant coatings, wound dressings, or as carrier systems for cell therapeutics, and evaluated in relevant preclinical models with impaired bone or skin regeneration. Subsequently a validation on cell or tissue samples from patients with restricted bone or skin regeneration is planned; however we do not apply for funding of clinical studies at this stage. The long-term goal is to individualize the aECM-based biomaterials for certain patient populations (e.g. osteoporosis, diabetes).