Light emitting 3D printed bioactive scaffold embedded in hydrogel for maxillofacial bone healing with limited risk of infection

Despite the scientific progress in developing biomaterials, there is still a need for biomaterials able to favor osteogenesis and angiogenesis while preventing implant failure arising from infections. We propose to develop novel composites, composed of a glass host, hydrogel, crystals with blue upconversion (UC) using 800nm and particles with green persistent luminescence (PeL). The UC is used to charge the PeL particles. The green afterglow obtained using the tissue-penetrating near-IR light will activate, in-situ, photoswitchable molecule loaded in the composite leading to the release of an antimicrobial agent. This project involves 2 technological work packages and 1 preclinical proof of concept demonstrations for osteogenic and angiogenic properties and animal testing. The consortium is highly multidisciplinary and complementary including expertise and experience in (glass and polymer) biomaterials, luminescent particles and cell biology expertise in vitro and in vivo.