Low Molecular Weight Gelators
The need
The development of applications in areas as diverse as in vitro toxicology or drug metabolism testing, bioartificial organs, and tissue repair is largely dependent on the ability to engineer functional tissue in vitro. Unfortunately, in monolayer culture most cells rapidly lose their tissue-specific functions. In Nature, the function of mammalian cells in tissues and organs is preserved by the interplay between the cells and their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). This complex three-dimensional network of nanofibers supports cells and guides their behavior through mechanical and biological clues. Nanotechnology brings the detailed level of control over the macro- to the nanostructure displayed in nature within reach for synthetic systems.
Biomade's solution
Our approach to biomimetic, gel-like, nanofibrous scaffolds is anchored in our proprietary Low Molecular Weight Gelator technology, which provides matrices that are morphologically very similar to the natural ECM. Additionally, our proven self-assembling platform addresses important other aspects of the ECM, such as strong physical support, a highly dynamic character, built-in response to physiologically relevant triggers, ability for post-modification, and triggered delivery schemes for substances of interest. The modular design of our platform allows engineering in of other desirable properties.
The status
Benefiting from our in house expertise in peptide display (protein anchor) and modification (therapeutic peptides), and together with strategic partners, we are currently developing innovative solutions for three-dimensional cell culture.