Biomedical engineer’s innovation may cure Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that erodes cartilage and bone in the joints, afflicts over 2.2 million Australians with its debilitating symptoms, including pain, diminished mobility, and an elevated risk of mortality, for which no definitive cure exists. 

Dr Li joins global medical researchers who are delving into stem cell therapies as a novel avenue to tackle this challenging condition.  

Ongoing clinical trials of stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis exhibit short-term improvements but face challenges in demonstrating consistent results or sustained, long-term benefits, even with repeated injections.

Dr Jiao Jiao Li 

Rather than utilizing stem cells directly, Dr. Li is exploring the potential of nano-scale packages produced by these cells. Simultaneously, she is investigating biomaterial solutions for effective delivery to patients. 

Her pioneering research builds upon her prior work co-inventing a ceramic-based bone scaffold, designed to aid the regrowth of bone sections using a patient's resident stem cells. This innovation has been licensed by an Australian orthopaedics company for translation into clinical applications. 

Dr Li’s groundbreaking contributions have earned her significant recognition, including the 2023 Metcalf Prize from the National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia — an honour bestowed annually to one male and one female stem cell researcher. 

Dr Li was the first female bioengineer to win the Metcalf Prize in 2023, showcasing her commitment to fostering gender and cultural diversity in STEM careers. 

These accolades follow her receipt of the Premier’s Prize for NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year (Physical Sciences) and Young Tall Poppy Scientist of the Year in 2022.