MEMS

MEMS Melt Electrowriting of Multi-layered Scaffolds for osteochondral defect repair

‘Melt Electrowriting of Multi-layered Scaffolds for osteochondral defect repair (MEMS)’. Osteochondral (OC) defect is a focal area of joint damage that involves both the articular cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone. Joint damage is strongly associated with the development of premature osteoarthritis. MEMS recently developed MEW scaffolds that support superior bone regeneration compared to scaffolds produced using traditional additive manufacturing techniques. The MEMS project aims to further enhance the regenerative capacity of these MEW OC scaffolds by (i) optimising their architecture, and (ii) functionalizing their surface with extracellular matrix (ECM) components supportive of tissue-specific regeneration. The output of MEMS will be an off-the-shelf implant capable of directing endogenous OC defect regeneration without the need for delivering exogenous cells to the defect site.

The €150,000 funding of MEMS, just one of 66 projects selected by the ERC, will help to unlock the commercial and societal potential of Prof Kelly’s research. This funding is part of the EU’s research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe and is an ERC Proof of Concept grant to Professor Danny Kelly.

Project (group) website: https://www.kelly-lab.com/

AMBER Researcher & Coordinator: PI Danny Kelly TCD