Our sister projects

Alongside HYDROHEAL, five further projects have been awarded funding under the same Horizon Europe programme, each dedicated to pioneering novel biomaterial-based solutions for healthcare. These sister projects share a common goal of translating innovative research into real clinical benefits for patients across Europe.

  • Minimally Invasive
  • Smart Delivery
  • A Sustainable Innovation

DAEDALUS

DAEDALUS – ADvAnced 4D biomAteriaLs for mucosa and sub-mUcosa treatment in patients affected by intestinal diSeases

DAEDALUS is a 48-month Horizon Europe project that seeks to revolutionise the treatment of colorectal diseases such as ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. Current therapeutic options for these conditions often involve highly invasive surgery with significant long-term consequences for patients. The project is developing a new generation of photo-crosslinkable, biodegradable 4D biomaterials with self-healing and shape-morphing properties, combined with smart drug delivery capabilities and a novel endoscopic toolhead for minimally invasive application directly at the treatment site. Bringing together 13 partners from across Europe with expertise in nanotechnology, medical engineering, and in situ bioprinting, DAEDALUS places a strong emphasis on improving patients' quality of life through personalised, less invasive care.

GreenNanoBone

GreenNanoBone – Sustainable 4D hydrogels functionalised with plant-based nanoparticles for bone regeneration in cancer patients

GreenNanoBone tackles medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), a rare but severe side effect of bone-targeting agents such as bisphosphonates, which are commonly prescribed to breast cancer survivors to reduce the risk of secondary bone cancer. MRONJ can lead to progressive jawbone destruction, chronic infections, and significant difficulties with eating. The project is developing sustainable, biocompatible, and antimicrobial 4D hydrogels — injectable or printable materials that can adapt to the body — to promote natural tissue regeneration and prevent infection. A distinctive feature of GreenNanoBone is its use of plant-based nanoparticles derived from potato industry waste streams, optimised with the help of artificial intelligence. With 18 partners from 12 European countries and an EU contribution of €8.6 million, the project aims to reach readiness for Phase I clinical trials by its conclusion, while also contributing to sustainable manufacturing and Europe's green transformation.

NanoBeat

NanoBeat – Nanomaterial-based solutions for improving cardiac electrophysiology

NanoBeat addresses two of the most common heart conditions linked to impaired electrical conductivity: atrial fibrillation and left bundle branch block. Both can lead to serious complications including heart failure, stroke, and sudden cardiac death, yet current treatments do not directly repair the damaged conductive pathways in a way that promotes tissue regeneration. The project is developing a novel nanomaterial-based approach — a conductive biomaterial that is implanted into affected cardiac tissue using a specialised minimally invasive catheter — to restore electrical conductivity and electromechanical function of the heart. Originating from a therapeutic concept first developed at Heidelberg University Hospital in 2018, NanoBeat has since grown into an interdisciplinary consortium of six European research institutions and two companies. The project's goal is to conduct the preclinical research necessary to pave the way for a first-in-human application.

InjectHeal

INJECTHEAL – Multifunctional self-healing injectable hydrogel for chronic wound healing and tissue regeneration

Chronic wounds - particularly deep cavity wounds such as pressure ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers - affect over 300 million people worldwide and account for up to 4% of healthcare spending in Europe. Current treatments struggle to reach the depths of these wounds, control infection, and support meaningful tissue regeneration. INJECTHEAL is developing an innovative 4D injectable self-healing hydrogel, based on functionalised pectin and gelatin, that can be applied directly into deep wound cavities - much like a construction foam that fills and adapts to the wound space. The hydrogel is designed to deliver antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic agents precisely where they are needed, while simultaneously acting as a matrix to promote healing. Funded with €7.3 million under Horizon Europe, the three-year project brings together 13 partners from 8 countries, including research institutions, clinicians, and patient advocacy organisations. Notably, INJECTHEAL places patients at the centre from the outset, involving them through co-creation workshops to ensure the technology meets real-world needs. The project aims to deliver a validated hydrogel platform ready for clinical trials by its conclusion.

Ten4Care

TEN4CARE - Tendon Engineering for Comprehensive Advanced Rehabilitation and Enhancement

Every year, around 33 million musculoskeletal injuries are reported globally, with approximately half involving tendons and ligaments. These injuries are often severely debilitating, causing significant pain, impaired mobility, and loss of independence — yet due to their diverse causes, no universal treatment solution currently exists. TEN4CARE takes on this challenge by developing an advanced medical device based on an electromagnetic-responsive, shape-memory 4D nanocomposite fibrous hydrogel. This novel biomaterial is designed to be injected minimally invasively to bridge damaged tendons and ligaments, combining enhanced structural support, antibacterial properties, and regenerative capabilities driven by external magnetic and electric fields. The material actively recruits cells from surrounding tissues to promote natural repair. Coordinated by the University of Pavia, the 48-month project unites 16 partners from 7 countries and also places strong emphasis on industrial readiness, including a GMP-validated production process, a scale-up strategy, and a detailed regulatory roadmap to guide the technology from the laboratory to the market.