Thromboresistant-Anticoagulant Extracellular Matrix
- Technology Benefits
- Stable binding of heparin to ECM through covalent interactionsSimple, cost-efficient and non-toxic reagentsNo alteration of ECM structure
- Detailed Technology Description
- SHORT DESCRIPTION A novel method for immobilizing heparin on extracellular matrix (ECM) for reducing coagulation in engineered tissues and organs. #materials #biomedical #therapeutics
- *Abstract
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BACKGROUND
One of the greatest limitations to organ transplantation occurs when a patients immune system recognizes the transplanted organ as foreign and rejects it. To prevent this from occurring patients are required to take immunosuppressants for the rest of their life. One way to both prevent organ rejection and remove the need for immunosuppressant medication is to use decellularized organ scaffolds. This involves isolating the extracellular matrix (ECM) of a tissue from its cells, leaving an ECM scaffold of the original tissue. By recellularizing the scaffold with a patient's own cells, issues with immune rejection can be eliminated. While using decellularized ECM scaffolds for organ engineering has been a promising strategy for addressing the organ shortage, one major problem has been ensuring that implanted organs receive adequate blood supply without triggering clot formation.
ABSTRACT
Northwestern researchers have developed a new method to attach heparin to the ECM scaffolds from decellularized organs, which can help reduce clotting and ensure the survival of implanted organs. Prof. Ameer's group has developed a simple and inexpensive method to immobilize heparin, a potent anticoagulant, to the ECM scaffolds. Their novel method does not utilize any toxic chemicals while generating stable covalent interactions between heparin and ECM. Further, this procedure does not alter ECM structure or elastic properties allowing production of small diameter vascular grafts as well as larger organs. In laboratory tests using the vascular graft model, this innovative ECM-heparin polymer reduced platelet adhesion, inhibited whole blood clotting and supported endothelial cell adhesion.
- *Inventors
- Guillermo Ameer*Jason WertheimBin Jiang
- *Publications
- Jiang B, Akgun B, Lam RC,Ameer GA, Wertheim JA (2015) A Polymer-Extracellular Matrix Composite withImproved Thromboresistance and Recellularization Properties, ActaBiomaterialia, 18: 50-58.
- Country/Region
- USA
