Chronic wounds are difficult to treat because cytokines — the signaling proteins for inflammation and healing — often break down quickly and do not remain at the wound site. To address this, researchers at Rice University, with support from the Rice Biotech Launch Pad, created a living bandage designed to produce therapeutic cytokines in place over time. The work is reported in Nature Biomedical Engineering.
The device uses encapsulated, engineered cells as on-site factories inside a biocompatible hydrogel matrix. The hydrogel permits exchange of nutrients and proteins while shielding the cells from the host immune system. The platform is modular, so the engineered cells can be changed to produce different cytokines, growth factors or other proteins.
In preclinical tests the patch accelerated healing in murine and porcine excisional wound models. Molecular analyses showed coordinated upregulation of genes linked to tissue regeneration and immune modulation, which likely explains the improved repair seen in the animals.
Difficult words
- cytokine — Signaling protein for inflammation and healing.cytokines
- encapsulate — To put cells inside a protective layer.encapsulated
- hydrogel — A water-rich gel used in medicine.
- biocompatible — Not harmful to living tissue or body.
- immune system — Body's defenses against infection and disease.
- modular — Made of parts that can be changed.
- upregulation — An increase in how much a gene is active.
- regeneration — Process of tissue growth and repair.
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Discussion questions
- What advantages might a living bandage have compared to regular bandages or creams? Give one or two reasons.
- The platform is modular so cells can be changed to make different proteins. How could this flexibility help doctors treat different wounds?
- What concerns might patients or doctors have about using a bandage with living engineered cells?
