New Industrial PhD Project to Advance Infection-Resistant Bone Graft Materials
The Department of Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology (BBT) at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), in collaboration with CAM Bioceramics B.V., has launched a new Industrial PhD project aimed at developing next-generation bone graft materials that prevent infection and enhance bone healing. The project is supported by a €400,000 grant from Health-Holland under the Industrial PhD programme.
Addressing a critical clinical challenge
Bone defects and infections remain a major challenge in modern healthcare, particularly in ageing populations where healing capacity is reduced and complications are more frequent. Current treatment options often rely on antibiotics and conventional graft materials, which may not fully support regeneration or prevent infection.
The new project, entitled “Advanced Bone Graft Materials to Prevent Infection and Enhance Bone Healing”, aims to overcome these limitations by developing innovative, antibiotic-free solutions that combine antimicrobial properties with enhanced regenerative capacity.
Scientific innovation: DABONES platform
Led by Prof. Hélder Santos, the research will focus on the development of advanced bone graft substitutes within the DABONES framework. These materials are designed to be both osteoinductive, stimulating new bone formation, and inherently antimicrobial, reducing the need for traditional antibiotic treatments.
By integrating expertise in biofabrication and regenerative medicine at UMCG with CAM Bioceramics’ world-leading capabilities in calcium phosphate bioceramics, the project seeks to create patient-specific grafts that actively support healing while preventing infection.
A strong public–private partnership
This initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration between academia and industry. The partnership combines fundamental scientific research with industrial innovation, accelerating the translation of laboratory discoveries into clinically relevant solutions.
Such public–private collaborations are essential for bridging the gap between early-stage research and real-world healthcare applications, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare systems alike.
Training the next generation of researchers
A key component of the project is the training of a new generation of scientists. Beatriz Ferreira has joined the programme as the Industrial PhD candidate leading the research efforts. She will be co-supervised by Dr. Giuseppe Cama, Dr. Jelmer Sjollema, and Prof. Paul Jutte, bringing together multidisciplinary expertise in biomaterials, microbiology, and clinical practice.
Looking ahead
Over the next four years, the project is expected to deliver significant advances in biomaterials science and bone regeneration strategies. By focusing on antibiotic-free, infection-resistant grafts, the research aims to contribute to safer, more effective treatments and reduce the global burden of bone-related diseases.
This initiative reinforces BBT’s commitment to innovation in regenerative medicine and highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing pressing healthcare challenges.
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Advanced Bone Graft Materials to Prevent Infection and Enhance Bone Healing
