Leartiker and Biogipuzkoa promote a new project to develop advanced solutions for the personalised, curative and preventive treatment of osteoarthritis

Leartiker and Biogipuzkoa have launched the innovative biOAdin project aimed at responding to one of today's socio-economic and health challenges: population ageing associated with the prevalence of degenerative diseases. Osteoarthritis is one such disease. This condition affects more than 528 million people worldwide and is characterised by the progressive degradation of joint cartilage. Despite advances in diagnostic techniques and cell therapies, there is still no cure or treatment capable of modifying its progression.

The initiative aims to develop a tissue engineering strategy based on advanced biomaterials to promote osteochondral regeneration. To this end, the research team will work on the creation of hybrid biomimetic scaffolds through the development of three-dimensional alginate and hyaluronic acid hydrogels that will be combined with 3D-printed polymer scaffolds. Three-dimensional hydrogels and scaffolds composed of bioactive polymeric materials will make it possible to more faithfully reproduce the architecture and mechanical behaviour of osteochondral tissue.

Throughout the project, Leartiker will work on generating three-dimensional hydrogels from alginate and hyaluronic acid, with the aim of evaluating their capacity as biomimetic substitutes for damaged cartilage. At the same time, it will advance in the manufacture of composite scaffolds using 3D printing, developed from bioactive polymeric materials and incorporating bioceramics such as hydroxyapatite to promote subchondral bone regeneration; and, finally, it will combine both components to validate the new constructs, evaluating their mechanical behaviour in vitro.

The proposal seeks to offer a reproducible, scalable and translational solution for joint tissue repair, contributing to the development of effective and personalised therapies for osteoarthritis.