Glenn R Gaudette
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, USA
Title: Development of a vascularized scaffold from spinach leaves
Biography
Biography: Glenn R Gaudette
Abstract
One of the major obstacles in growing replacement tissue is the inability to deliver oxygen, nutrients, and essential molecules required for cells to survive. To overcome this limitation, we have developed an unconventional approach that involves crossing the plant and animal biological kingdoms. The veins in spinach leaves are remarkably similar to the veins and arteries in human hearts. By removing the plant cells using a technique developed for mammalian organs and tissues, a cellulose structure with a branching network of vessels that can distribute fluid is left behind. The spinach veins remain patent after this process and allow the passage of microsphere approximately the same size as red blood cells. This scaffold supports human cell attachment, including contracting human heart muscle cells. The crossing of biological kingdoms may allow for new biomaterials with multiple applications in tissue engineering.