Nanofibers can be fabricated through electrospinning using various biodegradable polymers. Nanofibers are utilized as key materials in tissue engineering technology requiring biomimetics, biocompatibility and microporosity and in health care fields.
Based on this original technology, scaffolds and membranes that accelerate restoration and regeneration of damaged cells, tissues, and organs can be studied and developed.
GBR membrane
Membranes used for guided bone regeneration serve as barriers to prevent the exposure of defective areas of fibrous connective tissues and the invasion of bacteria. Absorbable polymer membranes that are highly biocompatible do not only perform various functions, like shielding and drug release, but they also have no need for removal. Despite these strengths, previous nanofiber-based absorbable polymer membranes in non-woven fabric form have had very low rigidity. Absorbable polymer membranes with low rigidity are hard to handle and have other limitations such as being unable to provide sufficient space in the human body in the long run and making it difficult to perform medical procedures in high load areas.
Our GBR membranes are developed using the technology of printing frames on nanofiber surfaces to have mechanical rigidity, therefore providing easy handling. We have secured a patent for producing these type of products and are developing competitive products that are differentiated from other companies’ products.
Dental regeneration
Currently, dental treatment depends on artificial replacements. Previous treatments of dental caries caused weak teeth, inflammation, and tooth discoloration and staining. Dental implants, as the only means of treating tooth extraction, have many side effects and weaknesses, including inflammation around implants, neural damage, sensory paralysis, abnormal occlusion, and eliminated prosthetics.
Stem cells obtained from teeth can also be differentiated into various cells, like mesenchymal stem cells, and can recover and regenerate into new cells and tissues. Studies on various clinical applications of tooth stem cells have recently emerged, and the results can be applied to various diseases, including pulp and periodontal diseases and maxillofacial deficiency.
We have jointly participated in the development of periodontal tissue regneration products with STEMDEN Co., Ltd., which was established for the applicable research, and are producing compound-loaded scaffolds.
Cartilage regeneration
Mesenchymal stem cells for chondrogenesis differentiation have been found to show high survival rates when attached well to nanofibers. Chondrogenic marker collagen Type II and chondrogenic proteoglycan also have shown better performance on nanofibers, so nanofibrous scaffolds can be a promising material for cartilage tissue engineering.
Further, when materials like hygrogel and collagen are used in combination, they are more effective for cartilage regeneration.
Views: 69