HYDROHEAL: Improving Bone Fracture Treatment with Advanced Biomaterials

Currently, materials used to replace bone often become infected. To address this, the HYDROHEAL project will specifically evaluate, under conditions that simulate the human body, how bacteria adhere to the developed materials to determine the best strategies for preventing this type of bone infection.

The research team behind the HYDROHEAL project will develop microparticles encapsulated in bioresorbable and self-hardening hydrogels, allowing the incorporation and transport of various pharmacologically active compounds. These biomaterials will serve as temporary support for bone regeneration while also enabling controlled and targeted release of active agents, thereby enhancing treatment effectiveness and significantly reducing the risk of infection and implant rejection. The project focuses on developing new biomaterials for the treatment of vertebral and alveolar fractures (in the jaw, at the base of the teeth), especially in complex cases caused by osteoporosis, cancer or trauma.

The project will employ innovative technologies such as “layer-by-layer” coating to develop the microparticles, adding multiple layers containing active molecules that can be released sequentially during treatment.

HYDROHEAL will also integrate artificial intelligence tools and hybrid digital modelling to optimise the design and performance of the new materials. Following an initial formulation phase, in vitro and in vivo tests will be conducted to validate their efficacy and safety, before moving on to sustainable large-scale production.

Consortium, Budget and Funding

The project, funded by the European Commission’s Horizon programme with a budget of nearly € 6.5 million, will run for a period of four years (June 2025 – May 2029).

Coordinated by UPV, the project brings together 13 partners from 8 European countries, including universities, hospitals, technology centres and companies from the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors. Alongside UPC and UPV, participating institutions include Newcastle University (UK), Politecnico di Torino (Italy), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Ireland), University of Warwick (UK), Centre for Process Innovation – CPI (UK), SITEC Pharmabio (Spain), Separeco (Italy), Vet Ex Machina LTD (Cyprus), Fluidinova S.A. (Portugal), Asphalion S.A. (Spain), and ConsulTech GmbH (Germany).