Biology
Organ-specific
cells are seeded onto a three-dimensional scaffold in a proprietary, closed
bioreactor system that simulates the environment in the body. The cells attach,
divide, and secrete extracellular matrix proteins and growth factors forming a
completely human, functional tissue.
Advanced
Tissue Sciences’ tissue engineering technology involves the controlled ex vivo
and in vivo growth of living tissues and organs on three-dimensional support
structures. Over the last several decades, technologies have been developed
that have made possible the growth of many of the over 200 different types of
cells found in the human body in laboratory containers filled with nutrient
media.
When
grown on two-dimensional surfaces, the ability of cells to interact and
organize themselves into functioning tissues is limited. In contrast, a
three-dimensional framework allows cells to develop and assemble into tissues
that more closely resemble their counterparts in the body.
In
normal growth and development, the body uses specialized connective tissue
cells to form "stroma" or a living matrix that provides the
three-dimensional structure for each organ. Stroma also provides attachment
sites and produces growth factors that promote the development of organ cells
into functioning tissues. While the specific components and configuration of
stroma may differ from organ to organ, the basic principle of three-dimensional
stromal support applies to most organs in the body.
The
Company has developed a proprietary core technology that combines the
principles of cell biology, biochemistry, and polymer science to create a
three-dimensional living support stroma ex vivo. The support stroma is made by
first seeding organ-specific stromal cells (cell biology) onto a mesh framework
(polymer science) in an environment that simulates the body. The cells attach,
divide, and secrete extracellular matrix proteins and growth factors
(biochemistry), using the mesh as a scaffolding. This process results in a
completely human stromal tissue that, in turn, supports the growth of organ
cells into functional tissue. Advanced Tissue Sciences has been issued United
States and European patents covering its core technology and numerous patents
related to the application of this technology.1
Polysponge is a novel scaffold that
revolutionizes cell culture technology. The unique structure of the highly
porous polymeric matrix has been created to provide a versatile and effective
three-dimensional scaffold for cell culture. The matrix can be engineered to
provide a predefined geometry, porosity, density and material quality so as to
optimize the growth and performance of cells and their re-organization into
functioning tissues.
Polysponge is a natural,
non-toxic material, biocompatible with microbial, plant and mammalian cells.
Due to its hydrophilic nature, the sponge is easily wetted at cell seeding,
resulting in a spatially uniform distribution of the cells within the matrix.
The matrix possesses excellent mechanical properties and can be used for the
prolonged in vitro culturing of cells. Rat hepatocytes seeded within these
sponges maintain their differentiated functions (e.g. albumin and urea
secretion) for over a month, compared to one week when grown on conventional
collagen matrices. Polysponge can be used as a 3-D support for numerous
applications that need prolonged viability and growth of non- transformed cells
in vitro.
The technology of making Polysponge is simple and cost effective. The matrix can be sterilized, without effecting its properties. Due to its unique properties, Polysponge a pharmaceutically approved matrix, can be used as a vehicle for controlled delivery for oral application of different molecules, including peptidic and proteinic drugs.2
References:
- Taken from: http://www.advancedtissue.com/frametechnology.html
- Taken from: http://www.bgu.ac.il/bgn/Polysponge.html
By Christine Brown and Jessica Laclair