It is already known that several growth factors (bone morphogenetic and TGF-b superfamily proteins, ascorbic acid, b-glycerophosphate, and others) have a bone augmentation effect, being able to generate new bone-formation achieving complete restitution of bone defects. The use of growth and differentiation factors together with appropriate scaffolds can be an alternative to the limited available autogenic bone-transplants. Currently, the specific effect of each growth factor is not, however, completely elucidated.

In this NoE, special attention will be devoted to:

• The search of new sources of potential growth factors to be used in tissue engineering applications of bone and cartilage;
• The development of the respective ways of expressing and purifying the distinct growth factors that are required for the development of the aimed tissue engineered therapies;
• Study and comparation of the effect of each growth factor;
• The complete characterization of the growth factors;
• The selection of the immobilization techniques;
• The development of adequate controlled release strategies.