The initiative, named GreenNanoBone, aims to prevent and treat this debilitating condition by developing AI-optimised, plant-based biomaterials. Over the next four years, the interdisciplinary collaboration will focus on creating cutting-edge, sustainable technologies for bone and soft tissue regeneration, while supporting a circular economy in healthcare.
Addressing a Growing Health Challenge
MRONJ is a severe side effect of bone-targeting agents (BTAs) such as bisphosphonates, which are widely prescribed to prevent bone metastases in breast, prostate, and lung cancer patients. In some cases, these life-extending treatments cause progressive jawbone destruction, leading to chronic pain, infections, and impaired eating.
An estimated 6,000 people across the UK and EU are affected by MRONJ each year, with numbers expected to rise as cancer survival rates improve.
Introducing a New, Sustainable Treatment Approach
Current MRONJ treatments remain limited and heavily reliant on long-term antibiotics, contributing to the threat of antimicrobial resistance. GreenNanoBone offers a novel solution by developing minimally invasive, regenerative therapies.
Central to this approach are 4D hydrogels — biocompatible, bioactive, and antimicrobial materials that can be injected or 3D-printed directly into affected areas. These biomaterials will be sustainably produced from potato pulp and other plant-based waste generated by the food industry, with their properties optimised through artificial intelligence to meet stringent medical and manufacturing standards.
Broader Impact Beyond MRONJ
While GreenNanoBone’s immediate focus is on MRONJ, the innovative platform has the potential to benefit patients with osteoporosis, complex bone fractures, and other conditions requiring bone regeneration — offering both clinical and environmental benefits.
By turning food waste into high-value medical materials, the project advances the development of cleaner, scalable, and climate-friendly production methods for healthcare innovation.
Rethinking Sustainable Medical Solutions
Dr Katarzyna Gurzawska-Comis, project coordinator from the University of Liverpool’s Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science and School of Dentistry, commented:
“With GreenNanoBone, we’re not just addressing an urgent clinical need — we’re rethinking how novel medical solutions can be developed in an effective, sustainable, and socially responsible way.
We’re combining regenerative medicine with AI while integrating social science and health economics to ensure real-world viability. Through this, we aim to inspire other businesses to explore natural, sustainable resources for healthcare solutions.”
A Collaborative European Research Effort
The project unites 18 partners from across Europe, covering disciplines such as chemistry, biology, clinical research, social science, and health economics. At the University of Liverpool, expertise from both the Faculties of Health and Life Sciences and the Faculty of Science and Engineering will play a key role in developing and validating the new biomaterials.
Supporting Europe’s Green Transition
GreenNanoBone strongly aligns with the goals of Horizon Europe and contributes to multiple strategic clusters:
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Cluster 1: Health – Addressing unmet medical needs in oncology
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Cluster 5: Climate, Energy, and Mobility – Advancing climate-neutral, bio-based manufacturing
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Cluster 6: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, and Environment – Transforming agricultural waste into high-value medical products
By embracing a design-for-circularity approach and converting plant-based food industry by-products into innovative medical solutions, the project supports Europe’s Green Transition and promotes sustainable healthcare innovation.
