Decellularized Fungal Scaffolds for Shape-Stable Tissue Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomaterials for tissue engineering face challenges such as high cost, complexity in production, potential for immune rejection, ethical sourcing issues, environmental impact, and structural deformation after implantation, while synthetic and decellularized materials often fail to maintain shape and induce rapid vascularization.
Innovation Solution
Development of decellularized plant or fungal tissue-based scaffolds with cellulose- or chitin-based porous structures, processed through methods like thermal shock, detergent treatment, and functionalization to promote biocompatibility and cell adhesion, which can be derived from food waste and produced efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If commercial biomaterials are used for tissue engineering, then they can provide three-dimensional scaffolds for cell growth, but they require complicated and time-consuming production methods leading to high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes food waste materials (apple pomace, grape pomace) as disposable, readily available substrates for scaffold production. These materials are inexpensive, abundant, and can be processed through simple decellularization protocols to create biocompatible scaffolds, eliminating the need for complex synthetic material production while maintaining tissue engineering functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The decellularization process allows the plant/fungal materials to self-process into scaffold structures through controlled degradation of cellular components while preserving the extracellular matrix architecture. This self-organizing capability reduces the need for complex external processing steps, as the material itself transforms into the desired scaffold form through enzymatic or chemical treatment
2Reliability
If commercial biomaterials are derived from human/animal origin, then they can provide suitable scaffold structures, but they result in potential rejection by the body and adverse immune responses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes all cellular materials and nucleic acids from plant or fungal tissues through decellularization processes, leaving behind only the acellular extracellular matrix scaffold. This extraction eliminates immunogenic cellular components while preserving the structural framework needed for tissue engineering, thereby preventing immune rejection while maintaining scaffold functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The decellularized plant/fungal extracellular matrix serves as a natural copy or analog of animal extracellular matrix structures. It replicates the essential architectural features (porosity, fiber arrangement, biochemical cues) needed for cell attachment and tissue growth without containing animal-derived immunogenic proteins, thus providing a safe alternative that mimics native tissue structure
3Duration of action of moving object
If resorbable biomaterials are used, then they can be temporarily supported for tissue formation, but the regenerated tissues often collapse and become deformed due to loss of structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite scaffolds by combining decellularized plant/fungal extracellular matrix with synthetic polymers or cross-linking agents. This composite structure provides both the temporary biodegradability needed for tissue formation and the enhanced mechanical strength required to maintain structural integrity, preventing collapse while allowing gradual tissue replacement
4Strength
If synthetic biomaterials are used, then they can provide structural support, but they fail to induce rapid vascularization and cell adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The decellularized plant/fungal scaffolds exhibit local quality variations in their extracellular matrix composition, with different regions containing specific biochemical cues (sugars, organic acids, phenolic compounds) that locally promote cell adhesion, proliferation, and vascularization. This spatial heterogeneity in biochemical properties enhances tissue regeneration efficiency while maintaining overall structural support
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The scaffolds offer low environmental impact, minimal immunogenic response, rapid vascularization, and maintain structural integrity, supporting cell growth and tissue regeneration with potential applications in surgical, clinical, and cosmetic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
decellularised plant or fungal tissue from which cellular materials and nucleic acids of the tissue are removed
Implementation Method 2
decellularised plant or fungal tissue from which cellular materials and nucleic acids of the tissue are removed
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are scaffold biomaterials comprising a decellularised fungal tissue from which cellular materials and nucleic acids of the tissue are removed, the decellularised fungal tissue comprising a cellulose- or chitin-based 3-dimensional porous structure. Methods for preparing such scaffold biomaterials, as well as uses thereof as an implantable scaffold for supporting animal cell growth, for promoting tissue regeneration, for promoting angiogenesis, for a tissue replacement procedure, and/or as a structural implant for cosmetic surgery are also provided. Therapeutic treatment and/or cosmetic methods employing such scaffolds are additionally described.