The project focuses on the development and application of new biomaterials in the treatment of vertebral and alveolar fractures (in the jaw, at the base of the teeth), especially in complex cases resulting from osteoporosis, cancer, or trauma.

"The main challenges we face are the formulation and manufacturing of materials, which include a complex variety of components and molecules that must maintain their properties and be released at the right time" notes Dr Piergiorgio Gentile, Distinguished Researcher at UPV and the project coordinator.

The HYDROHEAL project team aims to develop microparticles that will allow the incorporation and transport of several active pharmaceutical ingredients, encapsulated within bioresorbable and self-solidifying hydrogels. Their use would contribute to improving treatment efficacy, preventing bacterial infections, and speeding up recovery times.

“These materials would not only act as a temporary support for bone regeneration but would also allow for the controlled and targeted release of active ingredients to improve treatment efficacy, significantly reducing the risk of infection and implant rejection. Thanks to HYDROHEAL, we will be able to offer personalized and less invasive solutions that facilitate faster and safer recovery,” emphasizes Dr Gentile.

The innovative microparticles will be developed in HYDROHEAL with a fine-tuned “layer-by-layer” coating technology. This method, according to the project consortium, allows for the addition of several layers that carry different active molecules each, facilitating their release and at the right time during treatment.

In addition, HYDROHEAL will integrate artificial intelligence and hybrid digital modelling tools to optimize the design and performance of these materials. “After an initial formulation phase, we will conduct in vitro and in vivo trials to validate efficacy and safety, before moving toward larger-scale sustainable production,” adds Gentile.

HYDROHEAL involves 13 partners from 8 European countries, including leading universities, hospitals, technology centres, and companies in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields.

Coordinated by the Technical University of Valencia (Spain), HYDROHEAL also includes: Newcastle University (United Kingdom), Politecnico di Torino (Italy), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Ireland), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (Spain), University of Warwick (United Kingdom), Centre for Process Innovation – CPI (United Kingdom), SITEC Pharmabio (Spain), Separeco (Italy), Vet Ex Machina LTD (Cyprus), Fluidinova S.A. (Portugal), Asphalion S.A. (Spain) and ConsulTech GmbH (Germany).