Bone adhesives based on photochemically cross linked collagen-mimetic peptides

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Arndt Friedrich Schilling; Professorin Dr. Nadja Anita Simeth-Crespi
• Subject Area: Orthopaedics, Traumatology, Reconstructive Surgery ; Biomaterials
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 547362415

The aim of this research project is the production and systematic investigation of a new class of photochemically activatable, adhesive hydrogels based on collagen mimetic peptides (CMPs) for bonding bone fragments. These innovative hydrogels are designed to mimic the inherent properties of bone collagen and create a stable, viscoelastic bond between bone fragments through targeted photochemical activation. By synthesizing tailor-made molecules, the mechanical properties, adhesion and cohesion forces as well as the biocompatibility of the hydrogels are to be adjusted to the requirements of the bone fragments to be joined. The interdisciplinary and close collaboration between the Institute of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry Göttingen (Jun.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Nadja A. Simeth-Crespi; research focus: Photochemistry and organic synthesis) and the University Medical Center Göttingen (Prof. Dr. med. Arndt F. Schilling; Head of Research and Development for Trauma Surgery, Orthopaedics and Plastic Surgery; research focus on the musculoskeletal system) enables the multidimensional investigation of this innovative approach to the production of novel bone adhesives.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants