Value Proposition
· Precise: Enables precise engineering of complex 3D tissue structures using aligned cell sheets and thermoresponsive scaffolds
· Buildable: “tissue origami” platform allows folding, molding, and positioning of tissues in geometrically complex configurations
· Flexible: Superior cell sheet detachment via flexible substrate compared to rigid thermoresponsive culture-ware
· Variable: Versatile application for modeling cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle tissues
· Broadly Applicable: Platform supports translational uses: disease modeling, drug testing, tissue repair, and regenerative medicine
Unmet Need
· Current in vitro tissue models often fail to replicate the complex 3D architecture of native tissues.
· The status quo involves flat, 2D culture systems or rigid 3D scaffolds that lack adaptability and biomimicry.
· These limitations hinder accurate disease modeling, drug testing, and tissue repair strategies.
· Therefore, there is a strong need for flexible, moldable scaffold platforms that can support the formation of biomimetic 3D tissues.
Technology Description
· Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a novel method to engineer complex 3D tissues by layering aligned cell sheets onto flexible and thermoresponsive nanopatterned scaffolds.
· These scaffolds can be folded or molded via custom-designed gelatin hydrogel molds, forming intricate tissue geometries mimicking native anatomy.
· The platform has been validated for cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle tissues, demonstrating wide potential in tissue modeling and therapeutic applications.
Stage of Development
· Validated in vitro in multiple muscle tissue types; drug testing and in vivo engraftment studies are ongoing.
Data Availability
· Data available upon request.
Publication
· Williams NP, Rhodehamel M, Yan C, Smith AST, Jiao A, Murry CE, Scatena M, Kim DH. Engineering anisotropic 3D tubular tissues with flexible thermoresponsive nanofabricated substrates. Biomaterials. 2020 May;240:119856. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.119856.
