Scientists from MIPT and the Kurchatov Institute have created a composite hydrogel containing polylactide particles. It is more similar to the body’s natural structures than traditional materials and may have applications in the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis. socialbites.ca was told about this at the Kurchatov Institute.
“Our new material could be used in medicine as an injectable mass that fills cavities in the body. When tissue is damaged, a gel is often needed to help the body heal the affected area. In the field of pulmonology, a similar gel could help with drug-resistant tuberculosis; it can ‘compress’ the lung and then “Because our gels are made of collagen and chitosan, the gel is biodegradable and will not cause harm once it enters the body. By using natural and synthetic polymers, we have managed to create a material that is compatible with the biological environment and mimics the body’s natural tissues.” Timofey Grigoriev, one of the leaders of the study, scientist from the Kurchatov Institute of the National Research Center, director INBIXT told socialbites.ca from MIPT.
A complex of large molecules (extracellular matrix) plays an important role in the mechanical support of cells and the transport of substances. In regenerative medicine, it can be mimicked by hydrogels, which are polymers that can absorb and retain large amounts of water. However, synthetic hydrogels often do not resemble biological tissues in terms of their mechanical properties.
Scientists from MIPT and the Kurchatov Institute have created hydrogels whose mechanical properties are close to those of body tissues. The new material is based on collagen and chitosan hydrogels, as well as polylactide particles (polylactic acid derived from corn starch and sugar cane). Tests have shown that the addition of polylactide particles increases the elastic modulus of the hydrogel by more than 10-fold. This means the material can withstand pressure better. At the same time, it retained its flexibility.
Researchers also found that polylactide particles can provide sustained release of C-phycocyanin, a molecule with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating effects. This will allow the material to be used in medicine.
Previously at NUST MISIS to create New symptom of cancer.