dECM Elastomer Scaffolds for Surgical Tissue Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for utilizing decellularized extracellular matrices (dECMs) in tissue and organ engineering lack a scalable, inexpensive, and mechanically robust approach for creating biomaterials that are compatible with surgical techniques and can support cell attachment and proliferation.
Innovation Solution
Development of inks comprising dECM particles, an elastomer, and an organic solvent system that form scaffolds without crosslinking, allowing for the creation of porous, planar scaffolds with customizable mechanical properties and high absorbency, suitable for surgical implementation and tissue regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If decellularized extracellular matrices are used as raw materials for biomaterials, then tissue-specific biomaterials can be created, but the mechanical robustness and surgical compatibility are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines decellularized extracellular matrix particles with synthetic polymer matrices to create composite biomaterials. The dECM particles provide tissue-specific biological signals and bioactivity, while the synthetic polymer matrix provides mechanical strength and structural integrity. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating the advantages of both natural and synthetic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates porous scaffolds with controlled pore sizes and distributions that maintain the biological functionality of dECM while providing mechanical stability. The porous structure allows cell infiltration and tissue regeneration while the overall scaffold architecture provides the necessary mechanical robustness for surgical handling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex decellularization and recellularization processes are used, then whole organ replacement can be achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential biological components (extracellular matrix particles) from whole organs through decellularization, separating the bioactive elements from the complex organ structure. This extraction approach maintains the tissue-specific biological functionality while dramatically simplifying the material form and manufacturing process, eliminating the need for complex recellularization steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the organ into discrete extracellular matrix particles that can be independently processed and combined with synthetic materials. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing standardized particle production and flexible formulation, reducing overall process complexity while maintaining organ-specific functionality.
3Reliability
If dECM is used without crosslinking, then the scaffold remains biocompatible and flexible, but the structural stability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the elastomer's glass transition temperature as a critical parameter. Below Tg, the elastomer provides structural stability and rigidity; above Tg, it becomes flexible and biocompatible. This temperature-dependent parameter change allows the same material to provide both structural stability and biocompatibility under different conditions, resolving the contradiction without requiring crosslinking.
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 resulting scaffolds are mechanically robust, support cell attachment and proliferation, and exhibit extended shelf life, making them suitable for various biomedical applications including tissue repair and regeneration.
Implementation Method 1
removing the organic solvent system from the ink to form the scaffold
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are inks including decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) particles and scaffolds made from the inks. Also provided are methods of making the scaffolds and applications for the scaffolds. In an embodiment, a porous scaffold comprises dECM particles and an elastomer, wherein the scaffold is planar having a thickness of about 100 μm or greater, the scaffold comprises irregularly shaped pores having a random orientation and distribution throughout the scaffold, and the scaffold is free of crosslinking between the molecular components of the scaffold.