GreenNanoBone · Sustainable 4D hydrogels functionalised with plant-based nanoparticles for bone regeneration in cancer patients

PROBLEM: Medical-related-osteonecrosis of jaw (MRONJ) is a rare, but severe side effect of bone-targeting agents (BTAs), such as bisphosphonates. These agents are prescribed to survivors of breast cancer where they reduce the risk of secondary bone cancer. Unfortunately some people develop MRONJ, where progressive destruction of the jawbone leads to frequent infections, inability to eat and risk of malnutrition. MRONJ treatment focuses on controlling infection, pain and bone death through long courses of antimicrobial agents, contributing to development of antimicrobial resistance. Currently, ~12,000 people across Europe and the UK suffer from MRONJ. As people survive cancer longer, the number of cases is increasing. We urgently need a new prevention and treatment strategy for MRONJ.INNOVATION: GreenNanoBone will develop and validate sustainable, biocompatible, bioactive and antimicrobial 4D material to promote bone and tissue regeneration in a new strategy to prevent and treat MRONJ. The material will be injectable or printable as a scaffold for use in non-invasive surgical procedures. We will use AI to refine the properties of our plant-derived materials, test them using pre-clinical models, and ensure that they can be manufactured to medical standards.IMPACT: We address a clinical need and will reveal the pathophysiological mechanism of MRONJ in readiness for Phase I clinical trials (TLR-6) by the end of the project. In the longer term GreenNanoBone will dramatically increase quality of life for MRONJ patients and open up exciting possibilities for treating complex fractures and other skeletal conditions. We will develop a sustainable manufacturing process using recycling and clean raw material from a food (potato) waste side stream. The technology will enable production scale-up using climate-neutral methods. Our work will support European industries to undergo a Green Transformation and develop new markets, products, and services, boosting competitiveness.