ANR project

Design of injectable hydrogels based on a Smarties marine exopolysaccharide for osteoarticular engineering

Dates:
October 2022 – February 2027

Project coordinator:
Institut Francais de Recherche pour l’Exploitation de la Mer (IFREMER Nantes)

Partner laboratories :

  • IMN
  • Inserm RMeS Nantes

IMN staff involved:
Stéphane CUENOT, Jean LE BIDEAU

Articular cartilage damage remains a clinical challenge. Current surgical treatments, including cellular therapies, allow only partial recovery of joint function.

The aim of this project is to explore a cell-free strategy by designing an innovative hydrogel to recruit progenitor cells and stimulate their differentiation into a cell line suitable for regenerating both cartilage and subchondral bone. In this context, a new injectable hydrogel based on a marine bacterial exopolysaccharide with glycosaminoglycan-mimetic properties will be developed. The efficacy of this hydrogel, enriched with microparticles containing growth factors, in repairing osteoarticular defects will be evaluated in preclinical trials.

This project represents an important milestone in the treatment of cartilage lesions, and will open up a new avenue for future clinical trials.