| Project Detail |
Nanoparticles for advanced osteoarthritis treatment
Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory condition characterised by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility in the affected joints. It is the most common form of arthritis, resulting primarily from wear and tear over time. Traditional treatments are inadequate, driving the need for innovative therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which uses growth factors (GFs) to stimulate tissue repair. The ERC-funded OrthoBots project proposes a novel solution with enzyme-powered nanoparticles, or nanobots, designed to actively transport GFs within the joint. This delivery approach is expected to overcome the rapid degradation of PRP GFs in synovial fluid and enhance targeted cartilage regeneration.
Arthritis, a widespread inflammatory condition, affecting millions globally, necessitates urgent advancements in therapeutic approaches. Predominantly characterized by osteoarthritis (OA), this debilitating condition causes joint pain and stiffness, notably impacting the knee, hand, and hip joints. OA, a chronic degenerative disease, intensifies with age, imposing a significant economic burden on healthcare systems. The insufficiency of current treatments highlights the need for innovative therapies. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine offer promising avenues, with platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) emerging as a forefront contender. PRP harnesses the regenerative potential of growth factors (GFs) to stimulate tissue repair processes, particularly in cartilage and bone cells. However, clinical application faces hurdles, notably the rapid degradation of GFs within the intricate synovial fluid (SF) environment, limiting their therapeutic efficacy and distribution. To overcome these challenges, scientists explore advanced drug delivery systems utilizing nanoparticles (NPs) as carriers. Although promising, passive NPs diffusion through viscous biological barriers, such as joint fluids, remains a significant obstacle. In response, OrthoBots introduces enzyme-powered NPs, termed nanobots, as active carriers of GFs within SF. By utilizing enzymatic propulsion, nanobots aim to enhance GF transport and distribution, facilitating targeted cartilage regeneration. This innovative approach holds transformative potential, potentially revolutionizing arthritis therapy by overcoming current limitations and offering more effective and personalized treatment strategies. Through systematic in vitro studies and in vivo proof-of-concept demonstrations, OrthoBots will pave the way for the next generation of arthritis therapeutics, addressing the unmet clinical needs and improving patient outcomes. |
