European HYDROHEAL project develops biomaterials for bone healing

The project combines expertise from 13 partners across eight European countries, including universities, hospitals, technology centres, and companies in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors.

The HYDROHEAL team is developing microparticles that can transport multiple active pharmaceutical ingredients. These will be encapsulated in bioresorbable, self-solidifying hydrogels. 

Dr. Piergiorgio Gentile, Distinguished Researcher at UPV and project coordinator, notes: “The main challenges we face are the formulation and manufacturing of materials, which include a complex variety of components and molecules that must maintain their properties and be released at the right time.” 

According to the team, these materials will serve as temporary support for bone regeneration while enabling the controlled release of active substances to enhance treatment effectiveness, reduce infection risk, and decrease the likelihood of implant rejection. 

“These materials would not only act as a temporary support for bone regeneration but would also allow for the controlled and targeted release of active ingredients to improve treatment efficacy, significantly reducing the risk of infection and implant rejection. Thanks to HYDROHEAL, we will be able to offer personalized and less invasive solutions that facilitate faster and safer recovery,” emphasizes Dr. Gentile. 

The project uses a fine-tuned “layer-by-layer” coating method to create microparticles with multiple layers, each carrying different active molecules released at specific times during treatment. 

HYDROHEAL will also incorporate artificial intelligence and hybrid digital modelling tools to optimize material design and performance. “After an initial formulation phase, we will conduct in vitro and in vivo trials to validate efficacy and safety, before moving toward larger-scale sustainable productio,” adds Gentile. 

COMPAMED-tradefair.com; Source: Universitat Politècnica de València