Elastin-like-recombinamer cryogel as a platform for lung regeneration

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a worldwide health problem, where the tissue is gradually degraded, leading to emphysema and loss of tissue integrity [1]. <b>Aims and Objectives:</b> Our goal is to regenerate the damaged tissue by inserting a biomaterial and activate regeneration in the border zone between destroyed areas and remains of healthy tissue in COPD. Elastin-like Recombinamer (ELR) is a biomaterial that has proved to have excellent biocompatibility properties [2]. <b>Methods:</b> The ELR is modified in that one part has an alkyne modification and the second part an azide modification. The ELR is in a liquid state at 4°C and solidifies at 37°C. When the two parts are mixed in subzero temperatures, the alkyne reacts with the azide and creates a covalent bond at the same time as ice crystals are formed. The ELR structures around the ice crystals resulting in the formation of a macroporous material, a cryogel. This material has been further tested in vivo using a subcutaneous mouse model for 8 weeks, enabling assessment of the formation and integration of blood vessels. Results and Discussion: We successfully formed a cryogel that closely mimic alveolar morphology. Histological evaluation showed blood vessel formation in the cryogels as well as an integration into the skin over time. Conclusion and Further Studies: These data demonstrate that an ELR-based cryogel is a promising synthetic scaffold for lung tissue engineering. We further aim to develop this model by replacing resected lung tissue with the ELR cryogel in vivo to regain functional lung tissue.