Invention:
This technology encompasses the development of recombinant tissue-specific proteins that are used to produce hydrogel scaffolds that mimic the structure of natural tissues and are therefore able to harness the function of the tissues. Each protein sequence is able to be precisely customized, which allows the tissues to be biocompatible and efficient in vivo. While versatile, this technology was created to produce a biopolymer scaffold that can be used for cardiovascular tissue applications.
Background:
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death worldwide and in the United States. In the U.S., cardiovascular disease is responsible for as many as 1 in 4 deaths. Tissue engineering technologies are a promising method for treating cardiovascular disease; however, currently available methods that use synthetic polymers to produce tissue scaffolds lack efficacy in vivo and can cause debilitating side effects due to their biological incompatibility.
This technology overcomes the issues with currently available conventional polymers for treating cardiovascular disease by using recombinant proteins that reduce the organizational defects caused by polymer networks. Another issue with currently available technologies used for tissue engineering methods is the lack of stability and specificity in current cross-linkers for scaffold production. The researchers here have discovered a cross-linker that is more stable and thus has great potential to mimic protein processes in protein scaffolds.
Applications:
- Produce hydrogel biocompatible scaffolds
- Harnesses function of natural tissues
- Applicable for treatment in cardiovascular tissues
Advantages:
- Stable
- Versatile uses
- Precisely customizable for specific protein sequences
- Biocompatible and efficient in vivo
