Connecticut Patent of the Month – September 2023
Tissue engineering has come a long way, introducing biologic and synthetic scaffolds to improve tissue reconstruction during surgery. Unfortunately, most commercially available scaffolds are inadequate for functional tissue regeneration. This shortcoming is typically attributed to the architecture – the knitting, weaving, and braiding of the scaffold. Biorez, Inc., founded in 2016, is a New Haven-based medical device start-up focused on advancing the healing of soft tissues. The company has previously introduced their BioBrace®, a proprietary implant technology.
Recently, the company has been granted a patent for their technology covering their proprietary composite scaffold. This composite scaffold is the answer to a host of challenges faced by existing tissue engineering solutions.
Existing scaffolds have their limitations. Some provide mechanical support but lack the properties conducive to tissue healing and regeneration. Others, made from biologic materials, often exhibit slow or incomplete healing due to various factors, including their bulk architecture and tissue source. Synthetic polymer-based scaffolds can lead to inflammation and complications. Moreover, many scaffolds are essentially two-dimensional, which hinders tissue regeneration.
Biorez’s composite scaffold addresses these challenges head-on. It comprises a support structure that defines a void volume. Within this void volume lies a porous material or hydrogel, creating a perfect synergy of mechanical reinforcement and tissue-friendly properties. This scaffold provides an ideal balance of porosity for cellular ingrowth, a biologic matrix for cell migration, and interconnected void space for extracellular matrix deposition and tissue regeneration.
Key Features:
- Highly Porous: The scaffold possesses a large surface area for cellular proliferation and migration, allowing tissue to mature.
- Mechanical Reinforcement: It maintains its three-dimensional shape under tension, providing mechanical support for repaired tissues.
- Bioresorbable: The scaffold gradually resorbs, facilitating complete healing and tissue regeneration.
- Variable Dimensions: Adjustable length, width, and height cater to different procedures.
- Secondary Support Matrix: Encourages cell growth apart from the scaffold for enhanced tissue ingrowth.
- Engineered Regions: Customizable characteristics improve tissue regeneration and surgical handling.
Advantages:
- Versatility: The scaffold can be used for various tissue engineering applications, including knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, and hand.
- Compatibility: It’s compatible with a range of fixation methods, from sutures to staples.
- Reduced Inflammation: The microporous matrix reduces inflammation and promotes cell ingrowth.
- Accelerated Healing: Biologic fluids and bio-active agents can be added to expedite the healing process.
- Customization: Biorez offers the flexibility to tailor the scaffold to specific anatomical requirements.
Biorez’s composite scaffold is a game-changer in tissue engineering. With its unique blend of mechanical strength and tissue-friendly properties, it promises to usher in a new era of tissue repair and regeneration. The innovative features, combined with its adaptability and compatibility, make it a breakthrough solution for the medical field. Biorez is paving the way for faster, more efficient healing and tissue regeneration, improving the lives of countless individuals in need of surgical repairs and reconstructions.
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