1B: Biomaterial-Based Therapies for Osteoarthritis and Skeletal Repair

Musculoskeletal diseases are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, significantly impairing mobility, function, and quality of life. Among them, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent degenerative joint disorder, affecting nearly 15% of the global population and imposing an escalating socioeconomic burden. Despite its widespread impact, no curative or disease-modifying treatments currently exist. As aging populations expand and joint injuries become more common, the need for innovative regenerative and therapeutic strategies is increasingly urgent.

This session will highlight advanced biomaterials-based approaches designed to move beyond symptomatic relief toward disease-modifying and restorative solutions for osteoarthritis and skeletal repair. Topics will include intra-articular drug delivery systems for sustained and localized therapeutic release, nanotechnology-enabled targeted therapies, bioengineered joint lubricants, immunomodulatory and cell-based therapies, and regenerative strategies for cartilage and bone restoration. This symposium will integrate synthetic and biologically inspired materials, smart and surface-modified systems, tissue engineering approaches, to advance the restoration and functional regeneration of musculoskeletal and craniofacial tissues.

Moderators:

Dr. Silviya Zustiak
Professor and Associate Chair; Co-Director, Institute of Drug and Biotherapeutic Innovation
Saint Louis University

Katherine Hixon
Assistant Professor of Engineering
Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics
Dartmouth

Era Jain
Assistant Professor
Biomedical and Chemical Engineering
Syracuse University

Christine Knabe
Philipps University Marburg