The overall objective of the FiTTeR project was to develop characterize, and determine the efficacy of a biomaterial platform to target pathologic fibrosis and promote tissue repair. All vertebrates possess mechanisms to restore damaged tissues with outcomes ranging from regeneration to scarring. Unfortunately, the mammalian response to tissue injury most often culminates in scar formation. Accounting for nearly 45% of deaths in the developed world, fibrosisis a process that stands diametrically opposed to functional tissue repair and regeneration. Strategies to improve wound healing outcomes therefore require methods to limit fibrosis. However, no specific and localized therapies currently exist for targeting fibrosis. Poor pre-clinical and/or clinical outcomes have been reported for the inhibition of multifunctional molecules like exogenous MMP inhibitors which have failed due to detrimental off-target side effects. In the FiTTeR project, an extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel system was developed and validated, epithelial- and macrophage-based model systems for fibrosis were developed, and the feasibility of clinical application of ECM systems was assessed. Together, these results have provided a proof-of-concept demonstration that ECM hydrogel technologies can be used in applications to enhance tissue healing outcomes. As an MSCA fellow, I presented my research at TERMIS World Congress (Kyoto, Japan), Biologic Scaffolds Symposium (Napa Valley, USA), and TERMIS North America (Charlotte, NC). I have also co-authored publications in Advanced Materials and Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews and have a number of publications in preparation.
This ambitious project was possible due to the placement within the world-renowned Stevens Group at Imperial College London. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the research plan, this diverse research group was the ideal host for this project. I benefited greatly from working alongside experts in chemistry, materials science, cell biology, and nanoparticle technologies.
