Biomaterials

Improvements made possible with strategic chemical modifications

(LOS ANGELES) – As part of a collaborative effort, scientists from the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI) have employed inventive chemistry to produce an injectable biomaterial with significantly improved adhesive strength, stretchability, and toughness. This chemically modified, gelatin-based hydrogel had attractive features, including rapid gelation at room temperature and tunable levels of adhesion. This custom-engineered biomaterial is ideal as a surgical wound sealant, with its controllable adhesion and injectability and its superior adherence to a variety of tissue and organ surfaces.

(LOS ANGELES) – Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is highly aggressive and lethal. It is the most prevalent type of pancreatic cancer, making up 90% of cases; it also has a high rate of metastasis, with an average five-year survival rate of less than 10%.

(LOS ANGELES) – As outlined in their recent publication in Biomaterials Science,researchers from the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, (TIBI), have developed an injectable, temperature sensitive, shear-thinning hydrogel (T-STH) hemostat that works rapidly at body temperature to stop bleeding from a wound. This technology allows anyone to treat victims of traumatic injuries immediately and effectively. Once patient stability is achieved, the T-STH hemostat can easily be removed using a cold saline wash without leaving residues or causing re-bleeding of the wound. The saline wash also allows for removal of any debris lodged into the wound.

(LOS ANGELES) – A collaborative team, which includes scientists from the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), and Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) has elucidated some key points on how the generation of cartilage in the joints is facilitated and how alternative bone formation can be avoided. Their findings could pave the way for designing more strategically engineered transplants for a less costly, more effective means of treating cartilage damage in the joints than current methods.

November 21, 2022

(LOS ANGELES) – A collaborative team of scientists from the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation and the University of Nebraska Medical Center has developed a fibrous aerogel that promotes faster and more effective healing of diabetic wounds. As detailed in their publication in Advanced Functional Materials, the micro/macrochannels engineered within the aerogel facilitate the ability to heal chronic diabetic wounds, while a novel protein incorporated into the aerogel provides anti-microbial capabilities and promotes wound tissue coverage and new blood vessel formation.

Aneurysms are weaknesses in the venous walls that require immediate attention, as they can result in the ballooning and bursting of the blood vessels.

September 20, 2022

(LOS ANGELES) - These critical medical conditions are often treated using catheter-delivered blocking agents. The blocking agents are delivered into the vessels to stop blood flow in the affected area until the vessel wall can heal. The blocking material can then be removed or allowed to degrade naturally.

August 10, 2022

(LOS ANGELES) – In a recent paper published in Cell, TIBI scientist Mohsen Akbari, Ph.D., reviews the most recent breakthroughs and innovations in tissue bioprinting. He also presents its various applications, the remaining challenges and outlook for the future.

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Fibrous material may be used as antiviral agent in garments, face coverings and bandages

December 16, 2021

(LOS ANGELES) – Billions of people around the world suffer from herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections; the severity of these infections range from no symptoms at all to fatal complications. There are two types of herpes viruses: HSV-1, which infects the eyes and oral cavity, and HSV-2, which infects the genitalia.

Current treatments include antiviral drugs which are either injected or applied topically as ointments; these drugs interfere with virus replication to keep their population in check. Other treatments are available such as vaccines, which stimulate antiviral immune responses, or immune response-modifying drugs.