ELECTROBONE

Electroconductive scaffolds combined with biomimetic bioreactors for improved bone investigation and regeneration
(October 2025 - December 2026)

The incidence of non-union fractures and delayed bone healing is increasing in aging populations. Current standard treatments remain inadequate, while bone tissue engineering (BTE) could represent a promising strategy by integrating cells, biomaterials, and physical stimuli. ELECTROBONE will, for the first time, investigate the potential synergistic effect of combining electroconductive scaffolds with non-invasive pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation, a clinically established approach for enhancing fracture healing. In this project, three-dimensional electroconductive scaffolds, seeded with human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, will be cultured in a biomimetic bioreactor delivering PEMF stimulation.

This ground-breaking research, carried out by a multidisciplinary team from three Unite! universities, will enable the in vitro investigation of the combined effects of electroconductive materials and PEMF stimulation under bone-like conditions, pushing the boundaries of current state-of-the-art BTE strategies.

ELECTROBONE exploits the complementary expertise of its partners: automated biomimetic bioreactors and multiscale mechanical characterization (Diana Massai, Politecnico di Torino); stem cell-based in vitro models and additive manufacturing of scaffolds for bone regeneration (Frederico Castelo Ferreira, Universidade de Lisboa); and electroconductive polymeric materials for biomedical applications (Maria M. Pérez Madrigal, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya).

Agency: Unite! Seed Fund Initiative for Research

Principal Investigator: Dr. Maria M. Pérez Madrigal