Regenerating Tissue Using Aligned Nano-fibrous Scaffolds

SLU ID 17-010 | Aligned Electrospun Matrices of Decellularized Muscle for Tissue Regeneration

Background

Traditional decellularized scaffolds have resulted in limited regeneration of skeletal muscle following traumatic injuries and often results in significant scar tissue. These scaffolds fail to support muscle stem cell activity and are mechanically weak.

Overview

Researchers at Saint Louis University have developed scaffolds with aligned fibers that mimic the native architecture of skeletal muscle. The scaffold has biologically relevant ratios of proteins and mimics both the native tissue composition and architecture. The decellularized matrix can also be combined with synthetic polymers to tailor mechanical properties and rates of degradation.

Benefits

The potential benefits of this technology include:

• Increasing the mechanical properties of scaffolds

• Increasing skeletal muscle regeneration following traumatic injuries

• Minimizing scar tissue

• Increasing support for muscle stem cell activity

Applications

The potential applications of this technology include:

• Skeletal muscle regeneration

• Stem cell expansion

• Wound healing

Opportunity

Saint Louis University is seeking a partner to further develop and commercialize this technology.