QPiezoR

A BRIEF EXPLANATION

QPiezoR is developing an active biomaterial designed to support the regeneration of damaged joint cartilage. To achieve this, sustainably sourced collagen from jellyfish is combined with a piezoelectric material: tetrapodal zinc oxide. This material can generate small electrical signals when subjected to mechanical stress—such as movement within the joint. The signals are intended to help cells form new cartilage tissue—similar to the natural mechanical and electrical stimuli in the joint. The carrier structure is designed from the outset to have two layers in order to address the particularly challenging transition between cartilage and bone.

Illustrative image for the QPiezoR collaborative project. Image: CAU Kiel, Chair of Functional Nanomaterials (created specifically for this project using AI).

Why We Need QPiezoR

In Germany alone, millions of people suffer from cartilage damage and osteoarthritis—conditions whose prevalence increases with age and that are further exacerbated by joint injuries and obesity. Since cartilage has very limited ability to regenerate on its own, existing therapies and implants often reach their limits. Available collagen-based solutions primarily serve as passive scaffolds and do not provide active signals to specifically support tissue regeneration. There is therefore a need for innovative materials that can actively promote the healing process while also addressing the healthcare sector’s need for sustainable, resource-efficient solutions.

How is the project progressing?

Extracting Collagen from Jellyfish – Collagen is sustainably extracted from invasive jellyfish species that harm marine ecosystems. Biochemically, it is similar to human collagen.
Integrating a piezoelectric function – The collagen is combined with tetrapodal zinc oxide. This piezoelectric material can generate small electrical signals when moved, which are intended to stimulate cells to form new cartilage tissue
Designing a Two-Layer Structure – The support structure is designed to replicate the critical transition between cartilage and bone and to address both tissue zones simultaneously.
Manufacturing and Testing Materials – The materials are manufactured, characterized, and examined in cell-based assays.
Investigating Regenerative Effects – The project is examining how electrically active materials can support the formation of new cartilage tissue.
Considering Future Applications – The work steps are designed so that the results remain compatible with future development.

What's new about it?

QPiezoR consistently pursues the goal of systematically harnessing electrically active biomaterials for the regeneration of articular cartilage and cartilage-bone interfaces. The combination of marine jellyfish collagen and piezoactive functionality opens up new avenues for active, sustainable material concepts in regenerative orthopedics.

The targeted use of invasive jellyfish species also creates ecological value. QPiezoR thereby strengthens Germany’s international competitiveness as a center for research and innovation in the field of biohybrid materials and contributes to resource-efficient healthcare solutions.

Who is participating?

Coordination · Nanomaterials · Piezoelectricity

Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel

Network Coordination; Chair of Functional Nanomaterials — Development and Characterization of Biohybrid, Piezoactive Materials

Industrial Transfer · Cell-Based Testing · Application

AMIPLANT GmbH

Industrial partner focused on the application-oriented implementation and functional in vitro evaluation of research results