Page 26 - MemoriaBBN-Eng

SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMMES

cell-material interactions which will be the basis of the surface properties of the

material and of the adhesion of biological entities such as proteins, f) the biophysical
microenvironment and biophysical and biochemical stimuli (the extracellular matrix

and chemical and physical stimuli play a key role in this process); g) cell adhesion,

proliferation and differentiation; h) the study of angiogenesis as a fundamental aspect
in in vivo regeneration of any tissue; and finally i) the immune and inflammatory

reaction. Controlling the inflammatory reaction is key for assuring both healing and
regeneration.

Associated with this knowledge map to be generated, mathematical modelling of the

different elements and of the process as a whole is also of maximum interest. The

mathematical models can also have analytical or numerical approaches according to
what is being modelled.

In this context, within its strategic line in regenerative medicine CIBER BBN has

defined two priority lines of research, a line of basic research and another line of
applied research. The line relating to cell biophysics and epigenetics will be the

aspect in basic research where knowledge about basic cell processes is expected

to be generated and mid- and long-term results are expected to be obtained. As
regards the aspect of applied research, the line on specific applications of tissue

engineering and implants has been considered for obtaining short-term results that

are oriented on specific clinical problems and therefore more closely linked to the
market and the end user.

Since this is a multidisciplinary area there will be synergies and collaborations with

the other strategic lines of the CIBER BBN, which will be reflected in the proposed
research projects.

b) Endoprotheses and implants:

The global objective of this line is to move forward in a new generation of patient-spe-

cific implants, taking specific patient needs into account during the design stage, with

greater implant integration and a drop in risks of infection and osteolysis. It also seeks
to have greater control over their behaviour and over the progress after implantation.

Customized implants with better integration and control properties will allow obtaining

higher success rates, reducing the need for re-intervention. This aims to reduce health
costs and increase the patient’s quality of life.

The type of products and implants to be obtained are:

• Implants for Orthopaedic Surgery and Trauma (COT) (joint prostheses, os-

teosynthesis, external fixing, fixing systems for rachis, etc.), surgical instruments.
13
• Bone replacements (scaffolds). 20
T
• Dental implants. R
PO
• Ophthalmological implants. E
L R
• Cardiovascular implants: improved coronary stents. A
NU
• Neural implants.
N
A
• Soft tissue implants.
/
BN
• Auditory implants (hearing aids, cochlear and ossicular implants).
B
R-
BE
• Single-use products: abdominal mesh, diagnosis material, probes, catheters, su- CI
tures,... with antibiotic and/or antithrombotic properties.

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• Active implants.