New method of preparation of artificial tissues. These are very similar to the natural ones from the point of view of structure and functionality.may be used to increase, restore or replace the functional activity of a tissue or organ which is damaged.

Tissue engineering is a collection of techniques that enable the in vitro manufacture of artificial tissues. It is based on cell culture from stem cells, the creation of extracellular matrices and the obtention of growth factors and cell differentiation factors. Most of the models developed for the creation of artificial tissues use different kinds of biomaterials such as collagen type I, fibroin, fibrin, chitosan, polyglicolyc acid, or fibrin with agarose. However, the hitherto existing artificial tissues have limitations such as difficult manipulation, unsatisfactory functionality, biocompatibility problems, loss of volume, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new techniques for the production of artificial tissues that may be used for replacing or restoring damaged tissues or organs, as well as in the assessment of drug and chemical products.

 

Through this method, our group has prepared artificial skin, oral mucose, cornea, urethra and bladder. In particular, artificial skin has been successfully tested in vivo on mice.

Advantages of the offer

The innovation of the present offer lies on the use of a matrix of fibrin and a polysaccaride (e.g. agarose) for the culture of the artificial tissue, followed by a final step of partial dehydration. The products thus obtained exhibit optimal levels of consistency and elasticity and a show a structure and functionality very similar to those of the corresponding natural tissues.

The characterizing features of this method are the culture of the tissue in a matrix comprising fibrin and agarose and a final step of partial dehydration of the resulting product. This final step induces a nanostructuration of the tissue which renders it highly similar to the natural one and provides it with optimal levels of consistency and elasticity. The method allows the production of tissues for autologous, allogenic and xenogenic transplantation.

Domain of application

The invention finds application in the field of tissue engineering. In particular, it is suitable for the production of artificial tissues for replacing or restoring damaged tissues or organs (skin, oral mucose, cornea, urethra, bladder, etc.), as well as for the assessment of drug and chemical products.

Early Stage

The group is looking for a collaboration for further development or for a licence agreement.

IPR-Data : P200930625