Schematic diagram representing the self assembly of Laminin (ECM) and the MnO2 sheet
Invention Summary:
While regenerative stem cell therapy has been a promising approach for transplant medicine and surgery, there have been challenges due to low transplantation survival rate and poor selectivity in differentiation.
Researchers at Rutgers University developed a biodegradable manganese oxide-polymer hybrid scaffold designed to selectively guide stem cell differentiation while acting as a controlled drug delivery system. The biodegradable manganese oxide layer allows for drug loading and provides a MRI/FRET-based imaging modality to monitor drug release as it degrades. Varying the ECM proteins promote stem cell differentiation of different cell types and formation of mature cells.
Additionally, the scaffold results in increased neurite outgrowth during neurogenesis. In combination with small molecule drugs, the scaffold enabled functional recovery in an in vivo model study of spinal cord injury.
Market Applications:
- Stem cell differentiation
- Regenerative medicine
- Drug delivery
- Stem cell therapy
- Research tools
Advantages:
- Self-assembly of nanosheets with ECM
- Efficient drug loading and controlled release
- MRI/FRET based monitoring of drug release
- Compatible with other therapeutic techniques
- Biocompatible
- Stimuli responsive biodegradation degradation
Intellectual Property & Development Status:
Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. In silico, in vitro and in vivo results.
Publication:
A biodegradable hybrid inorganic nanoscaffold for advanced stem cell therapy.
Yang L, Chueng S-TD, Li Y, Patel M, Rathnam GD, Wang L, Cai L and Lee K-B. Nature Communications 9: 3147 (2018)
