Biomaterial promotes perfusion after ischemia

Living body tissues, when deprived of oxygen (ischemia), die, becoming ulcerous or gangrenous; consequently, restoring blood flow is of prime importance for many afflictions from pressure sores to heart attacks.  To address this, researchers at Harvard’s Wyss Institute have developed a procedure, with proof of principle in mice.  They first vaccinate a local area with an egg white protein (ovalbumin) and aluminum hydroxide.  This begins recruiting CD4+ T cells which initiates angiogenesis.  Then they implant a polymer scaffold (poly-lactide-co-glycotide) which slowly releases more ovalbumin to further stimulate blood vessel development.   There is a link to the scientific publication with more details.   MORE

Image Credit:  Wyss Institute, Harvard