A cartilage-bone unit that is closest to natural tissue will be produced for the treatment of early-stage osteoarthritis.

Within the scope of the project conducted at Hitit University, a cartilage-bone unit will be produced that is closest to natural tissue for the treatment of early-stage joint osteoarthritis.

The project, which will be carried out under Hitit University specializing in Machine and Manufacturing Technologies, aims to produce a biomaterial in the form of a cartilage-bone unit that is closest to natural tissue in terms of mechanical and wear properties for the treatment of early-stage osteoarthritis.

The project leader, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yusuf Kanca, stated that osteoarthritis, commonly known as calcification, is characterized by joint injuries that involve the loss of articular cartilage and subchondral bone tissue.

Kanca noted that calcification, which affects more than 300 million people worldwide, is rapidly increasing with the aging population and rising obesity cases, negatively impacting individuals’ quality of life and posing an economic burden on the healthcare system in our country.

In his statements about the project, Kanca said: “Due to the similarities with the microstructure outside the cells of natural cartilage, hydrogels, which are polymer structures that retain water, have potential application expectations as tissue repair materials in this field. In the project, inspired by the complex microstructure outside the cells of natural cartilage and subchondral bone, a double-layered design will be made using synthetic and natural polymers for mechanical strength and biological functionality, with nanoparticle reinforcement for high wear resistance and antibiotic active substance loading against potential infection risks, resulting in biocompatible hydrogels. ”

Kanca stated that the biomaterials developed within the proposed project could serve as a new alternative biomaterial for the treatment of early-stage joint osteoarthritis, expressing, “With this project, we aim to develop biomaterials that have the closest properties to natural tissue.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kanca also added that students at undergraduate and graduate levels will work as scholarship holders in this interdisciplinary project, aiming to contribute to the training of qualified researchers in this field.