Impact
This project is expected to deliver five main outcomes, each contributing to advances in understanding, preventing and treating of Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) and potentially other bone-related conditions. These outcomes are rooted in innovation across biomaterials science, sustainable manufacturing and clinical applications. Together they will generate significant scientific, societal, economic and ecologic impacts—ranging from improved patient care and reduced antibiotic resistance to the development of climate-neutral technologies and more efficient healthcare pathways.
Injectable or implantable 4D hydrogel for treatment of MRONJ
The development of an injectable or implantable 4D hydrogel for the treatment of Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) represents a key scientific impact by advancing the field of minimally invasive biomaterials. The hydrogel's dynamic adaptability allows it to conform to individual anatomical and surgical contexts, facilitating personalised care.
The societal impact is reflected in the improved patient experience: procedures are less invasive, recovery times are reduced and the use of plant-derived components aligns with patient preferences for non-animal-based therapies. GreenNanoBone will significantly improve the quality of life of patients with MRONJ. In early-stage, the hydrogel will also offer to patients a preventative therapeutic approach, helping to avoid full onset of MRONJ altogether. Moreover, its potential to reduce the use of antibiotics by promoting localised healing contributes to lowering the risk of antimicrobial resistance, a key long-term health challenge.
The economic impact includes reduced surgical time, decreased need for hospitalisation and improved workflow for clinicians. Over time, this could establish the hydrogel as a cost-effective standard of care.
Importantly, the ecologic impact is reflected in the hydrogel’s plant-derived ingredients, which present a sustainable alternative to conventional materials.
Improved biomaterial manufacturing methods (extraction of pectin, AI assistance, 3D printing of biomaterials)
The optimisation of biomaterial manufacturing, including the extraction of pectin from food industry by-products, AI-assisted design and 3D printing biomaterials, demonstrates a major scientific impact in process innovation and biofabrication. These technologies increase reproducibility, customisation and scale, pushing the boundaries of current bioengineering.
The ecologic impact is especially pronounced: using secondary raw materials such as pectin extracted from food industry by-products contributes to the circular economy and aligns with the EU’s Green Deal and 2050 climate neutrality goals.
On a societal level, these advances support broader social acceptability and ethical alignment, especially as patients and health professionals increasingly value transparent, sustainable and animal-free biomaterials. This approach also facilitates more equitable access to biomaterials by reducing production costs and diversifying sourcing options.
The economic impact includes enabling production at industrial scale (up to 20L GMP-grade hydrogel), creation of new market sectors through the repurposing of food waste and stimulating industrial partnerships across agriculture, health tech and manufacturing sectors.
Proof of concept for use of biomaterial for the treatment of bone necrosis
Providing proof of concept for using plant-derived biomaterials to treat bone necrosis represents a major scientific advancement, verifying efficacy in regenerating compromised bone tissue and justifying progression to clinical trials. This also establishes the foundation for broader application in other skeletal diseases such as arthritis or fracture healing.
From a societal viewpoint, it responds directly to the unmet needs of oncology patients with limited treatment options, potentially preventing MRONJ in early-stage cases, but also patients with other bone-related conditions such as arthritis or complicated fractures.
Understanding the biological mechanisms of MRONJ
A deeper understanding of MRONJ’s biological mechanisms holds high scientific impact by identifying risk factors, disease pathways and therapeutic targets. This knowledge base supports the development of targeted therapies and preventative strategies.
On a societal level, improved understanding will allow clinicians to intervene earlier, reduce progression of the disease and build patient trust in emerging therapies. Better-targeted interventions informed by mechanistic understanding can also reduce the need for costly, late-stage surgical treatment.
3D in vitro model of MRONJ (organ-on-chip)
The 3D in vitro model of MRONJ, designed as an organ-on-chip platform, yields strong scientific impact by simulating human bone tissue and disease progression in vitro, thereby enhancing preclinical evaluation of biomaterials. It enables testing of treatments like the 4D hydrogel in a controlled, reproducible and physiologically relevant environment.
The ecologic impact is notable, as this model reduces the reliance on animal testing, aligning with the 3Rs and lowering the environmental and ethical costs of biomedical research. From a societal perspective, it enables safer and faster development of therapies that directly address patient needs. Additionally, it enables the use of no or fewer animals in medical research, aligning with ethical considerations regarding animal use.
The economic benefit lies in the cost-effectiveness of in vitro testing versus animal studies and its potential for commercialisation as a reusable testing platform—benefiting not just this project, but future biomaterials research.