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Medical researchers to make high fibre tissue substrates

10 Apr '15

2 min read

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB in Stuttgart, in collaboration with the university hospital in Tübingen and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), are working on a project to develop suitable substrates known as scaffold for implants.

The cell-free substrate contains proteins to which autologous cells bind and grow only after implantation. The solution is based on electrospinning, a process in which synthetic and biodegradable polymers such as polylactides are spun into fibres using an electrical charge. These fibres are then used to create a three-dimensional non-woven fabric.

Implants based on autologous cells are more likely to be accepted by the human organism. Electrospinning helps create a cell-free substrate on which cells can grow after it has been implanted in the patient’s body.

Each type of protein attracts specific cells, which adhere to the scaffold and grow there. By selecting the appropriate protein, researchers can build up heart tissue or regenerate other damaged organs, according to Dr. Svenja Hinderer, one of the research scientists working on the project at Fraunhofer.

The substrate is spun into a fine sheet and cut to the required size. To repair damage to the heart muscle, for instance, a scaffold corresponding to the extent of the damaged area is placed like a blanket over the muscular tissue. The polymeric fibres gradually degrade in the human organism over a period of approximately 48 months. During this time, the cells that bind to the proteins find an environment that is conducive to their growth. They construct their own matrix and restore the functions of the original tissue, the Institute said.

The hybrid materials composed of polymeric and protein fibres can be produced and stored in large quantities. The IGB team is working to bring the novel substrate to market as a rapidly implementable alternative to conventional heart valve replacements.

The researchers will be presenting samples of the polymeric scaffolds at the Medtec expo in Stuttgart from April 21 to 23, 2015 in the joint Fraunhofer booth (Hall 7, Booths 7B04/7B10). (GK)

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