CellFoam™ technology
Tissue regeneration is the re-growth and repair of a damaged tissue or an organ effected by disease or natural degradation. Regeneration occurs naturally in species from bacteria to human, typically in tailed amphibians, which are capable of regenerating their tail, eyes and internal organs. The regeneration and growth of a tissue is a biological process in which cells secrete materials to form a matrix or scaffold called Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM) to support their growth. The cells have receptors that connect to specific adhesion sites on the ECM and the cross-talk has a direct effect on their proliferation and activity.
CellFoam™ is a bio-adhesive 3D foam structure which starts out as flow-able and solidifies within the target tissue, transforming into a functional tissue graft. It is made of natural materials, fully biocompatible and biodegradable and rich with cellular adhesion sites (RGD motifs), making it an ideal scaffold for stimulating cell growth.
SEM image of an in-vitro CellFoam™ seeded with fibroblasts. Pore structure of the scaffold is visible with fibroblasts growing around and near the pore opening.
CellFoam™ is an injectable agent compatible with minimally invasive treatments. Once injected into the tissue it stabilizes and over time the surrounding cells are stimulated to grow and form new tissue. As such, CellFoam™ is ideal for multiple unmet applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, from in-vivo tissue remodeling to tissue printing.
The technology has demonstrated long term safety and efficacy in achieving collagen stimulation of adult skin, also in regenerating gum tissue from severe periodontal disease. It is also successfully used to treat urinary incontinence in female dogs.