Biomaterials are synthetic or cell free natural materials that have to be biocompatible since they are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Both artificial polymer structures as well as natural tissue can be utilized.
The group concentrates on the decellularisation of biological tissue to produce cell free tissue. Important for that is the complex 3D structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that contains growth factors and signalling substances. The challenge is that all cellular components are dissolved during decellularization without damaging the basic structures. Various enzymatic, chemical and mechanical methods can be used:
- Mechanical characterization
- SEM-analyses
- Identification with Western Blot
- Examination of the interaction with different cell types
- Using biomaterials as 3D cell culture systems
- Purification (Tangential Flow Filtration, digestion, precipitation and others)
The tissue can be used to cultivate cell types that so far could not be cultivated in the lab. Another use is in regenerative treatment where tissue is re-colonized with fresh cells to be applied for therapeutic purposes. Areas of application are diverse and range from skin over bones and cartilage to blood vessels. The human placenta as a medical waste product is an especially interesting source of tissue since it contains important structures and signalling substances. It is ideal as a supporting structure for application in tissue regeneration.