Orthotropic cellulose composites for bone and cartilage tissue engineering

Fanny BOSSON

Project description

The aim of this project is to develop cellulose-based multi-layer composites with a view to achieving a structural organisation relevant to the engineering of bone and cartilage tissues. For example, the multi-layer structuring typical of the organisation of cartilage is sought thanks to the structuring synergy between cellulose nanocrystals (NCC) and collagen fibrils. These nanoparticles are dispersed in a polymer matrix or an extracellular matrix (ECM) of the hyaluronic acid type, which can be cross-linked by ultraviolet radiation. New methods combining ultrasound-assisted ultrafiltration and photo-crosslinking are being used to access the well-known orthotropic organisation of cartilage: a surface zone composed of concentrated objects aligned parallel to the articular surface, the intermediate transition zone with randomly organised objects and the deep zone with objects arranged perpendicular to the bone surface. This orthotropic organisation and the associated induced properties of tensile and compressive mechanical strength will be studied using a combination of in situ SAXS, SALS and ex situ SEM, XRD and tensile/compressive measurements. Tests will be carried out in the RMeS laboratory to assess the cytocompatibility of the biomaterials and the UF/US process for NCC orientation. Optimisation of the various processes used (filtration, ultrasound, photo-crosslinking) and proof of cytocompatibility will enable these new cellulose composites to be used for tissue engineering applications. This work is being carried out in collaboration with INSERM and the ‘Regenerative Medicine & Skeleton’ RMeS laboratory (INSERM UMR-1229).

Supervisors

Fréderic Pignon (LRP)

Nicolas Hengl (LRP)

Vianney Delplace (RMeS, INSERM)