TGF-Beta Conjugated Growth Scaffolds

TGF-Beta Conjugated Growth Scaffolds can be used to increase the mechanical strength of the cultured tissues by increasing extracellular matrix production. As the growth factor remains on the scaffold, at the site of tissue growth, the resulting tissues demonstrate increased mechanical integrity as compared to tissues grown with unlinked TGF-Beta, without sacrificing cell adhesion. In addition to tissue engineering and regeneration, this technology is also useful for wound healing applications using living dermal substitutes. Overcoming limitations in tissue engineering A New Approach Based on the finding that naturally occurring growth factor TGF-Beta (Transforming Growth Factor Beta) can increase mechanical integrity of cultured tissues, researchers at Rice University have discovered that TGF-Beta can actually be linked to the scaffold material and remain effective in increasing mechanical integrity. As the growth factor remains on the scaffold, at the site of tissue growth, the resulting tissues demonstrate increased mechanical integrity as compared to tissues grown with unlinked TGF-Beta. TGF-Beta is conjugated to a polymer, such as PEG, for attachment to a tissue engineering or cell growth scaffold, useful in not only tissue engineering, but also for tissue regeneration and would healing applications. The TGF-Beta retains activity after attachment to the scaffold, and causes cells growing in or on the scaffold to increase extracellular matrix production, even when the scaffold additionally contains cell adhesion ligands. The increased extracellular matrix produced by the cells aids in maintaining the integrity of the scaffold, particularly when the scaffold is degradable, either by hydrolysis or by enzymatic degradation. Market Analysis Increasing the mechanical integrity of cultured tissues TGF-Beta Conjugated Growth Scaffolds technology can be used to increase the mechanical integrity of the tissue engineered tissues by increasing extracellular matrix production. As the growth factor remains on the scaffold, at the site of tissue growth, the resulting tissues demonstrate increased mechanical integrity as compared to tissues grown with unlinked TGF-Beta, without sacrificing cell adhesion. The field of tissue engineering has arisen to address, in part, the problem of organ transplantation. Each year, 3 million cardiovascular and 2.5 million orthopedic and plastic reconstruction (bone, cartilage, tendon, ligment, and breast) procedures are performed with total cost of more than $100 billion. There is a pressing need for human organs. Researchers have searched for ways to use cells to grow organs and tissues that can be safely used in transplantation. Due to the vast market potential and medical implications, Time Magazine named tissue engineering as one of the top 10 emerging industries of 2000. The TGF-Beta Conjugated Growth Scaffolds technology is complementary to existing tissue engineering and regeneration techniques that utilize a scaffold. It can be combined with current methods of culturing skin, blood vessel, bone, liver, and cartilage where the mechanical properties are very important for the success of transplantation. In addition to tissue engineering and regeneration, this technology is also useful for wound healing applications using living dermal substitutes. The Opportunity Working with Rice University The Rice Office of Technology Transfer is seeking a commercial partner which plans to license the TGF-Beta Conjugated Growth Scaffolds technology. A patent on this technology is currently pending. Rice contemplates a licensing deal, providing patent rights and technical information to a company that could bring this invention to the commercial stage in a timely manner. If necessary, there is potential for further development of this technology at Rice under a sponsored research agreement.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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