Combination of tough biomaterials and nanotechnology-enabled gene therapy to regenerate cartilage and treat osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a musculoskeletal condition where cartilage becomes inflamed and damaged,
causing debilitating pain. Around 1 in 5 people in Spain between 45-54 years old seek treatment for
OA, and 50% of the population suffers it by age 65. Studies have shown that human cartilage
experiences no significant replacement in adult life. The main reason is a lack of blood supply to the
joints: without nutrients, chondrocytes cannot grow or make more cartilage. Hence, as we age, more
cartilage gets irreversibly damaged, eventually leading to bone rubbing