Gene-Activated antimicrobial biomaterials for bone regeneration
Osteomyelitis, i.e. bone infection, combined with the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance globally, is currently regarded as the most devastating clinical complication when attempting to repair bone defects. This project tackles these major challenges of modern bone tissue engineering by developing a novel technology with dual osteogenic and antimicrobial action i.e. regenerative scaffolds that can eliminate bacterial infection while simultaneously providing a bioactive environment for bone growth. The specific goal of this research proposal is to develop and evaluate a new, innovative and effective treatment for osteomyelitis by combining non-antibiotic antimicrobial nanoparticles with gene-activated scaffolds for bone regeneration. Osteoconductive collagen-nanohydroxyapatite scaffolds with proven bone-healing potential will be functionalised for the sustained delivery of genetic cargoes to improve tissue repair, i.e. plasmid DNA (pBMP-2) and microRNA (antagomiR-133a), using novel technologies pioneered at Prof O’Brien’s Lab in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. The project will also study the incorporation of metal-ions, an innovative alternative to traditional antibiotics, into scaffolds and bioglasses developed at Prof Boccaccini’s Lab at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. Diligently supervised by Profs. O’Brien and Boccaccini, and guided by a Personal Career Development Plan, I will develop complementary skills in project management, entrepreneurship, commercialisation, leadership and profile enhancement. Acquiring advanced research competences and complementary skills will allow me to mature as an independent scientist, enhancing my professional visibility, capacity and competitiveness in the field of regenerative medicine. This Fellowship will significantly contribute to the achievement of my long-term career goal, which is becoming an independent scientist leading my own group focused on novel biomaterial research and development.