HyBioComBone

Novel hybrid biomimetic macroporous composites with tuned biodegradability, improved osteointegration and anticancer properties for bone tissue regeneration

years

of research and development

team members

with years of experience & strong scientific background

institutions

with a distinguished history

posibilities

for improvement & upgrade

Problem we are motivated to solve

The treatment of large bone defects (LBDs) caused by trauma, infections, or tissue resections due to cancer, requires multiple surgeries with long recovery times leading to deteriorated life quality and increased healthcare costs. Synthetic implants used in clinical practice have many drawbacks, such as infection during or after implantation, poor integration, slow remodelling, and mechanical loosening, etc. In the case of malign bone tumors, chemotherapy is also necessary after the surgery. The ideal bone substitute should be biocompatible, osteoconductive, controlled resorbable, and thereby replaced by newly formed bone while maintaining adequate mechanical strength and structural support in the meantime. Additionally, it is beneficial for implants to possess antimicrobial and/or antitumor properties.

Project aim

Development of biocompatible, osteoconductive, macroporous composites with tuned biodegradability for bone repair and regeneration, based on hydrogels and multi-doped particles of calcium-phosphates and bioglass, in the form of scaffolds, microgels and 3D printed macroporous forms. In the biocomposites with optimal properties will be incorporated: a) antimicrobial and anticancer drugs for the prevention of infection and cancer, b) extracellular vesicles for improved osteointegration and bone tissue regeneration.

Project methodology

The composites will be designed by combining the interpenetrating network hydrogels based on synthetic and natural polymers and inorganic particles of nanostructured bioglass, and calcium phosphates multi-doped with various ions.

Composites with optimal mechanical properties and biodegradability will be further developed in three directions:

1. Carriers for the extracellular vesicles

derived from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for providing improved osteointegration and bone tissue regeneration.

2. For controlled delivery of drugs

(commercial and newly synthesized drugs providing novel cancer treatment).

3. For controlled delivery of antibiotics

controlled delivery of antibiotics for infection prevention.

Project grant: No. 7740
Project financed by: Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia – PRIZMA programme
Period of realization: January 2024 – January 2027.

Team

Our team gathers 14 experts from 5 institutions.

Djordje Veljovic, PhD • TMF
Associate Professor
– Principal Investigator –

Rada Petrovic, PhD • TMF
Full Professor
– Coordinator of WP –

Djordje Janackovic, PhD • TMF
Full Professor
– Coordinator of WP –

Biljana Ljujic, PhD • FMSUKG
Full Professor
– Coordinator of WP –

Andjela Radisavljevic, PhD • ICTMF
Research Associate
– Coordinator of WP –

Milena Radunovic, PhD • STOMF
Assistant Professor
– Biomedical evaluation –

Zeljko Radovanovic, PhD • ICTMF
Senior Research Associate
– Development of new materials-

Vukasin Ugrinovic, PhD •
ICTMF
Research Assistant
– Development of new materials-

Ivica Vujcic, PhD • VINS
Research Associate
– Development of new materials-

Milos Papic, PhD • FMSUKG
Assistant Professor
– Biomedical evaluation –

Tamara Matić • TMF
Teaching Assistant
– Development of new materials-

Marija Milivojevic • ICTMF
Research Assistant
– Biomedical evaluation –

Tamara Vlajic Tovilovic • STOMF
Junior Research Assistant
– Biomedical evaluation –

Irena Ognjanovic •
FMSUKG
Junior Research Assistant
– Biomedical evaluation –

Publications

G. Ayoub, Dj. Veljović, M. Ležaja Zebić, V. Miletić, E. Palcevskis, R. Petrović, Dj. Janaćković, “Composite nanostructured hydroxyapatite/yttrium
stabilized zirconia dental inserts – The processing and application as dentin substitutes“, Ceramics International, 44 (2018) 18200-18208
(doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2018.07.028).

Dj. Veljović, T. Matić, T. Stamenić, V. Kojić, S. Dimitrijević-Branković, M. J. Lukić, S. Jevtić, Ž. Radovanović, R. Petrović, Dj. Janaćković,
“Mg/Cu co-substituted hydroxyapatite – biocompatibility, mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity“, Ceramics International, 45 (2019)
22029-22039 (doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2019.07.219).

A. Kazuz, Ž. Radovanović, Dj. Veljović, V. Kojić, V. Miletić, R. Petrović, Dj. Janaćković, “α-Tricalcium phosphate/fluorapatite based composite
cements: Synthesis, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility”, Ceramics International, 46 (2020) 25149-25154
(doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2020.06.301).

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News

Contact us

Principal Investigator prof. dr Djordje Veljovic
Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade
djveljovic@tmf.bg.ac.rs
Karnegijeva 4, 11000 Belgrade