NU-SPINE · Training innovative future leaders in research and development of materials and implants for the spine

This proposal aims to develop Early-Stage Researchers into innovative European leaders in biomedical engineering, with a focus on spinal devices. Synergies will be drawn from the involved high-quality research centres in the interdisciplinary fields of materials science, mechanical engineering and biology, which will permit acquiring expertise in the development and preclinical testing of such devices, with a focus on meeting current and future societal challenges related to implant longevity and biocompatibility. The training programme has been put together in close collaboration with the relevant industry, SME’s as well as larger enterprise, ensuring adequate exposure to these environments, through e.g. secondments, as well as a knowledge base permitting a seamless transfer into industry and fostering innovation. An expert in industrial engineering and management will undertake co-ordination of the innovation-related training as well as consist of an independent career coach to the young researchers.The growing elderly, more active population puts higher demands on implants, which need to last longer and provide an adequate biological response throughout their lifetime. Current solutions for the spine suffer from a variety of issues, such as implant subsidence as well as potentially detrimental metal ion release and wear products. The current proposal aims to provide alternatives to these, by developing novel materials and implants for the spine, which provide i) non-detrimental wear products and reduced metal ion release and/or ii) enhanced osseointegration. Since many implant failures can be linked to inadequate loading, considerable effort will be spent on developing methods that simulate more closely adverse and individual biomechanical environments, as well as adapting implant designs to these situations. Adequate biological response will be evaluated through in vitro and in vivo models, closing the circle of the pre-clinical testing value chain.