Cell-derived matrices are multi-functional biomaterials with very high therapeutic capacity. Despite the very promising data that have been obtained to-date in both preclinical and clinical settings, there is very slow commercial and clinical uptake. It has been argued that the very high cell numbers and the prolonged ex vivo culture periods required to develop them limit their applicability, as the manufacturing costs become too high for the healthcare providers to be able to afford them. As a result, functional therapies do not become available to patients. Prof Zevgolis has pioneered the macromolecular crowding technology in eukaryotic cell culture. Macromolecular crowding, through volume exclusion, enhances and accelerates extracellular matrix deposition. DECIPHER aimed to assess the potential of macromolecular crowding in the development of cell-derived matrices. As part of the technology development work-packages, we developed using macromolecular crowding cell-derived matrices using only a fraction of cells and time that traditional approaches require. Further, the enhanced deposited extracellular matrix acts as a depo of trophic and therapeutic factors that promote physiological healing. The commercial development work-packages confirmed the transformative potential of macromolecular crowding in the development of cell-derived matrices for a diverse range of sectors and markets. DECIPHER will contribute to the commercialisation of cell-derived matrices, increasing the international competitiveness of European-based biotech industries and creating new employment, markets and revenue.
