Bioinspired hybrid polymer scaffold regenerates and repairs mouse kidney

Schematic representation of a bioinspired scaffold that neutralizes the acidic microenvironment through the Mg(OH)2 to inhibit the inflammatory response. Compared to PLGA only, this bioinspired scaffold shows good cytocompatibility by the decellularized extracellular matrix on a surface of the scaffold. Credit: ACS Central Science

By Stephen Riffle April 25, 2019

Scaffolding in the context of tissue engineering describes materials—often made from ceramic, synthetic or natural polymers—that augment tissue growth and regeneration. Such materials function by giving damaged tissue some combination of structural, biochemical, and mechanical influences over cell behavior. In a study published in a recent issue of ACS Central Science, lead author Eugene Lih at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and co-authors describe the use of a composite scaffolding—a porous structure made of both synthetic and natural polymers—to enable regrowth of a damaged mouse kidney. Their research is built on the idea that damaged organs could be repaired through the use of scaffolds that are specifically designed to recreate the materials properties of the healthy organ, sometimes referred to as bioinspired scaffolds.  

Read the full write-up on MRS Bulletin.   

Read the article in ACS Central Science.