The scaffold structure. (Credit: Tomsk Polytechnic University)

A new material shows promise for regenerative medicine for recovery of damaged tissues and blood vessels. The 3D scaffold is made of biodegradable material and filled with special inhibitors.

The inhibitors literally turn off the work of enzymes, responsible for the inflammation reaction, occurring in immune cells in response to external stimuli. In this case, such an irritant is a regenerative material. According to scientists, the proposed solution is a simpler way to control the immune response compared to existing ones.

The researchers used a biodegradable polycaprolactone polymer for their scaffolds. It makes products more flexible and affordable in comparison with alternatives. The scaffolds made of polycaprolactone were created by the method of electrospinning, producing thinnest fibers from a polymer solution under the electric field. At the stage of obtaining the scaffolds, the inhibitors are introduced into the polymer structure.

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