Nadia Benkirane-Jessel
Inserm - French National Institute of Health and Medical Research, France
Title: Combined therapeutic medical device and stem cells for regenerative nanomedicine
Biography
Biography: Nadia Benkirane-Jessel
Abstract
In our group we explore a new generation of smart living implants combining not only active therapeutics but also stem cells, as a novel strategy to regenerate stabilized cartilage and avoid prosthesis by achieving regeneration of its subchondral bone foundation, requirement which is failing today in the clinic. In our group, a unique nanotechnology strategy is used to entrap, protect and stabilize therapeutic agents into polymer coatings: Nanoreservoirs, covering nanofibers of implantable nanofibrous membranes for bone and cartilage regeneration. Upon contact with cells, therapeutic agents become available through enzymatic degradation of the nanoreservoirs. As cells grow, divide and infiltrate deeper into the porous membrane, they trigger slow and progressive release of therapeutic agents that, in turn, stimulate further cell proliferation. The nanoreservoirs technology enables to reduce the quantities of required therapeutic agent (compared to soaked membranes for instance) thereby reducing costs.