Self-Assembling Tissue

You’ll have to go to the September 28^th issue of Nature Chemistry to find out which peptides and proteins researchers at Queen Mary University in London are using to create self-assembling arteries and veins without molds or 3-D printing, but here’s the pitch: “The method uses solutions of peptide and protein molecules that, upon touching each other, self-assemble to form a dynamic tissue at the point at which they meet. As the material assembles itself it can be easily guided to grow into complex shapes. This discovery could lead to the engineering of tissues like veins, arteries, or even the blood-brain barrier, which would allow scientists to study diseases such as Alzheimer’s with a high level of similarity to the real tissue, which is currently impossible. The technique could also contribute to the creation of better implants, complex tissues, or more effective drug screening methods.” MORE

Image Credit: QMU London