From Potatoes to Advanced Biomaterials: EURICE Strengthens Its Health Innovation Portfolio with New EU Project to Develop Sustainable Treatment for Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ)
GreenNanoBone, a new European research project focused on developing a novel and sustainable treatment pathway for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), kicked-off its activities end of June with its first consortium meeting in Gdańsk. With €8.6 million in funding from the European Union, this four-year project expands EURICE’s commitment to advancing healthcare innovation through collaborative, interdisciplinary research.
MRONJ is a serious condition affecting thousands of patients undergoing treatment with bone-targeting agents, particularly cancer survivors. Current therapeutic options are limited and often rely on long-term antibiotic use. GreenNanoBone aims to address this challenge by creating biocompatible, bioactive, and antimicrobial 4D biomaterials, sourced from plant-based nanoparticles extracted from potato waste. These materials will be designed to support bone and tissue regeneration and will be optimised using artificial intelligence for safety and efficacy in clinical applications. This project complements EURICE’s growing portfolio of health-related initiatives across Europe, many of which link medical research with sustainability and circular economy principles.
“With over 30 health-related collaborative research and innovation projects, EURICE is dedicated to finding new ways to keep people healthy, prevent disease, and support more effective, personalised care. Our involvement in GreenNanoBone reflects that commitment — supporting the development of innovative, sustainable medical solutions that are not only clinically relevant but also socially and environmentally responsible,” says Dr Sanja Šale, Senior Innovation Manager and Health Innovation Lead at EURICE.
The consortium brings together 18 partner institutions from across Europe, spanning the fields of chemistry, biomaterials, biology, clinical science, health economics, and social research. By developing injectable or printable 4D hydrogels, the project will explore new treatment options not only for MRONJ, but potentially also for other skeletal conditions such as osteoporosis or complex fractures.
The use of residual potato pulp from the starch industry is a central element of the project’s sustainable approach. This approach supports the European Green Deal by promoting environmentally sound practices in the development of medical technologies, which will hopefully inspire other researchers to explore similar strategies.
With its involvement in GreenNanoBone, EURICE continues to support research that brings together science, sustainability, and public health — contributing to a greener and more resilient European healthcare system.
