Third party funded individual grant
Start date : 01.01.2018
End date : 31.08.2018
The project is intended to (i) elaborate on the initiated collaboration between the project partners on the institute level (OF, HZ) as well as (ii) ignite sustainable international collaboration between the universities FAU and USyd.
For the project part (i), concrete planning for fabrication of diverse bioceramics and bio-hardgel-components through additive manufacturing (layer-by-layer), print-technologies and sintering will take place through bilateral short-term visits (2-3 weeks). Definition of stem cell types to be used for seeding and bioreactor maturation (e.g. human mesenchymal stem cells, adipose stem cells) will be undertaken and eventually, myoblasts also included to functionally link bioartificial ligaments to muscle tissue. In the Sydney labs (HZ), constructs are manufactured in vitro and seeded and matured in bioreactors. In vivo experiments will include animal implantation. Samples of the constructs will be analyzed biochemically and histologically for all stages of manufcaturing, seeding and in vivo incorporation. Samples will also be sent to the German partner (OF) where the unique multiphoton-imaging facility at FAU is capable of performing in-depth quantitative morphometry. In addition, OF will also visit the local multiphoton facilities at Bosch Institute at USyd to make them fit for on-site applicability for this project.
Regarding the strategic part (ii) of exchange at the university level, each partner will be introduced to local collaborative consortium projects during his/her visit (FAU: EAM, SAOT, MURCE; USyd: ARC Training Center). With representatives of the University Boards, bilateral discussions will be scheduled regarding aspects of internationalization in research and teaching. Goal shall be a collaborative agreement at the University level that warrants exchange of students for graduation on both sides and to recognize bilateral study course contents. Teaching concepts between FAU and USyd can be harmonized through this project.