Project Portugal 2030

Summary

Currently available meniscus implants face limitations in terms of low biological performance, inadequate biomechanical properties, and suboptimal neotissue quality. To address these challenges, the MT4Meniscus project proposes to use an innovative mechanotransductive approach. By leveraging ultrasound stimulus, which has been used in the clinics to have therapeutic effects externally on orthopedic patients, the project aims to revolutionize in vitro implant culture, enhancing cell function, biological functionality, tissue maturation, and biomechanical properties. The objectives of the MT4Meniscus project are as follows: i) Establishment of an in vitro ultrasound-stimulated cell culture system for mechanotransductive stimulus delivery, such as a patentable ultrasound delivery station for enhanced cultivation. ii) Comprehensive characterization of ultrasound stimuli on the cells in culture at different culture setups, and establishing a clear and quantifiable protocol for delivering ultrasound to tissue engineering constructs during in vitro culture. iii) In silico 3D meniscus defect models: Creation and lesion-specific in silico 3D meniscus defect models. These models will inform implant design for personalized manufacturing and facilitate in silico experiments for meniscus regeneration. iv) Establishment of an ex vivo 3D miniature model of the human meniscus using fresh tissue to investigate the performance of ultrasound-guided culture techniques, by which the model surpasses in vitro models and challenges animal models, particularly in two critical aspects: translational validity and ethical consideration. v) IP protection: Filing patents for all relevant technologies developed within the MT4Meniscus project. vi) Dissemination of outputs through various dissemination channels including conventional and non-conventional ways. vii) Establishing strategic partnerships and collaboration with other inter/national research teams or industry to enhance the cumulative impact and collective output. This involves an exchange of expertise and resources, experimenting with novel biomaterials with the developed ultrasound delivery station, widening perspectives, and encouraging a collaborative environment that strengthens the scientific rigor and overall success and impact of the MT4Meniscus project. viii) Enabling the creation of a start-up. Even if establishing a start-up company based on the developed technologies and implants could be post-project; the activities and IP protection during the project are of critical interest. In this way, a solid step towards contribution to clinical management practices for meniscus and orthopedic injuries, and stimulating economic growth could be taken. Potential licensing strategies, and getting investment for further growth are being considered.