Effect of hybrid carbon structures on cartilage/bone tissue regeneration process

The aim of the project is to develop a biocompatible and bioactive hybrid carbon-based implant for the regeneration of osteochondral tissue defects. The hybridity of such a material is determined by the modification and functionalisation of the carbon materials: by surface application of a ferromagnetic additive, accurate diagnostics enabling imaging of the material after implantation are possible. Functionalisation of the implant with a polysaccharide (alginate and/or hyaluronic acid salt) and peptides, which are fragments of extracellular matrix proteins, allows for improved biological properties. The starting point is the formation of fibrous structures (nonwovens) using polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibres, followed by a low-temperature carbonisation process of the nonwovens. The final analysis of the properties of the hybrid systems will be carried out in vitro and the possibility of imaging them using µT/MRI will be tested.

The topics undertaken in this project and the implementation of the individual research tasks lead to a novel approach in the development of biomaterials for the treatment of bone and cartilage damage. The approach to the problem is innovative and unprecedented worldwide and results in the development of materials engineering, biomedical engineering, with the possibility of developing a new generation of materials.

A project implemented by a scientific consortium comprising:

– Łukasiewicz Research Network
– Institute of Textiles,
– Lodz University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry ,
– Institute of Organic Chemistry,
– Stanisław Staszic Academy of Mining and Metallurgy in Kraków, Faculty of Materials Engineering and Ceramics.