Abstract
Organ failures and tissue defects affect millions of Americans every year, resulting in healthcare related expenses exceeding $400 billion. Biomaterials has become an important field for the repair or regeneration of organs and bodily tissues. Biomaterials consist of artificial and/or biologically active scaffolds that can been used for supplemental bladders, small arteries, skin grafts, and tracheas. Although advancements in tissue engineering have yielded viable products for several conditions, there have been few FDA approvals for complicated tissues found in the heart, lungs, intestines, skin, and liver. Even though these tissues have been successfully created in the laboratory, they have failed in practice due to biological compatibility, inferior mechanical properties, and poor integration with adjacent tissues.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a class of biomaterials to be used for tissue replacement applications. These materials are biocompatible, safely degrade in the body and contain drug eluting properties. They are comprised of a modified form of xylitol and have been evaluated for tensile strength, drug eluting properties and biocompatibility in vitro.
FAU is seeking partners to advance this technology into the marketplace through licensing or development partnerships.
Benefit
Biocompatible - Suitable for complex soft tissue repairMechanical strength - Supports various elasticitiesDrug elution properties - Allows for integration of compoundsMarket Application
Tissue engineeringBiomaterialsSoft tissue repairPublications
A Highly Elastic and Autofluorescent Poly(xylitol-dodecanedioic Acid) for Tissue Engineering
