Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a method to create hydrogels from decellularized vascular extracellular matrix (ECM), specifically from porcine and human aorta. These hydrogels serve as in vitro cell culture substrates and in vivo biomaterials for cardiovascular tissue repair. The ECM hydrogels provide essential signaling for cell behavior, promoting vasculogenesis and tissue regeneration, and are more representative of native physiology than current products.
Description
The technology involves decellularizing ECMs from blood vessels, such as porcine and human aorta, and formulating them into hydrogels. These hydrogels can be used as substrates for in vitro cell culture and in vivo tissue regeneration. The unique method of derivation and formulation produces a hydrogel that is more representative of native physiology and does not contain synthetic polymer components or cells. The availability of ECMs from various sources, including porcine, ovine, and bovine, enhances the versatility of this technology.
Applications
• In vitro cell culture substrates
• In vivo tissue repair and regeneration
• Cardiovascular applications
• Research product for discovery biology
Advantages
This technology provides a native biologic substrate for discovery biology in the aortic wall and its associated microvasculature, is more representative of native physiology than current products, and does not contain synthetic polymer components or cells. The availability of ECMs from various sources enhances the versatility and potential applications of the hydrogels.
Invention Readiness
The technology is currently at the in vitro data stage, with successful demonstrations of the hydrogel preparation and its applications. Initial experiments involved decellularizing porcine and human aorta tissues and formulating them into hydrogels. These hydrogels were tested for their ability to support cell culture, showing promising results in maintaining cell phenotype and promoting differentiation.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20220323646A1
