Putting tissue degeneration on hold
In tissue engineering, cells are often implanted in scaffolds, structures critical in the support of tissue formation. The roles of these scaffold structures include delivery and retention of cells and biochemical factors, enabling diffusion of vital nutrients and application of certain influences for modification of the cell phase. A partnership of 33 experts in 110 projects on regenerative medicine, the 'Angiogenesis-inducing bioactive and bioresponsive scaffolds in tissue engineering' (ANGIOSCAFF) project has recently completed a package of comprehensive tools for major age-related and genetic degenerative diseases. These include scaffolds for cardiac and nervous tissue as well as for bone and skeletal muscle repair. Six biomaterial platforms were developed. These were based on fibrin, polyethylene glycol (PEG) peptide, fibrinogen polymer, hyaluronic acid, porous scaffolds or calcium phosphate. Fibrin alone or in combination can be used to regenerate many tissues, including adipose, bone, cardiac tissue, and tendons and ligaments. The ANGIOSCAFF team developed a technology to customise fibrin that incorporated bound morphogens within the fibrin meshwork and permitted controlled release for directing cellular activity. The biomaterials were effectively multi-functionalised with the maximum possible spectrum of growth factors. For complete functional restoration of damaged tissue, the team obtained fundamental knowledge of blood vessel development, and developed translational approaches and novel screening platforms. Outcomes for bone repair therapy development were designed to be translational to induce bone repair. The team also developed material and molecular tools for understanding osteodifferentiation, osteogenesis and bone repair more deeply. There are currently no effective therapies to treat traumatic or genetic skeletal muscle disease. Focusing on a muscular dystrophy model, clinical trials utilising progenitor cell therapies transplanted into wasting muscle are presently underway. Optimisation of the regenerative innovations requires imaging tools for measurement of the extent of regeneration in tissues. ANGIOSCAFF scientists developed an optimised technology based on microtomography, used to create 3D images of the tissue. The work of ANGIOSCAFF has contributed to the many areas involving tissue regeneration in applications as diverse as personalised targeted drug delivery, corneal grafts, Parkinson's therapy, heart repair and urinary incontinence as an example of muscle repair. Two spin-off companies were also created as a result of innovations, a reflection of the commercial importance of tissue engineering.
