This patent discloses the development of extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds designed for preparation and use in tissue engineering and regenerative applications. Stem cells are used in the treatment of various human diseases and it is an extensively researched topic. ECMs provide physical scaffolding for cells and largely decide the biomechanical properties of the stem cell niche. However directing ESCs into single functional cells is difficult as stem cells differentiate into different cell types. The ECM scaffolds developed include altered ECM components synthesized by tuning fibroblast cells of a single origin. This results in ECMs which allow stem cells to expand and differentiate into specific lineages with varying biophysical properties to support stem cell viability and targeted differentiation.
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The technology can be personalized and may serve as an alternative to animal testing.
- A composition for the synthesis of ECM scaffolds comprises fibroblast cells and a cell culture medium containing specific contractility modulators.
- The method for synthesizing ECM scaffolds involves culturing fibroblast cells, treating them with decellularizing agents, and isolating the resulting ECM.
- These scaffolds are capable of supporting the expansion and differentiation of various stem cell types, including embryonic stem cells (ESCs), tissue-specific stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
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The technology enables generation of matrices of controlled stiffness and topography. These matrices closely recapitulate the physicochemical properties of native tissues, and can therefore be utilized for regenerative medicine applications as well as for drug screening. The next step would be to scale up the technology for specific applications.
Stem cell research, tissue engineering, pharma, drug discovery
The ECM scaffolds prepared using this method can be used for repair and regenerative applications, tissue engineering applications, stem cell research and therapy, and pharmaceutical development.