Sealants and patches made from biomaterials allow damaged tissue to regenerate and heal. These materials must mimic the elasticity of diverse tissue structures and, consequently, control biological function, particularly the differentiation of stem cells. NIBIB-funded researchers are working to combine silk with tropoelastin, a highly elastic and dynamic structural protein to construct a panel of protein biomaterials. Biomaterials can be used to control stem cell fate and function. Stem cells are not specialized, so they have the potential to transition into any specific kind of cell under the right conditions. Bone replacement material must support cell attachment and facilitate bone growth. A wound healing system must promote skin growth and blood vessel formation. Biomaterials designed for functionīioengineers measure the function of a biomaterial by how well it performs a specific action and how it will be used. NIBIB funds research that aims to address the function and biocompatibility of biomaterials. Examples include drug-coated vascular stents and implantable chemotherapy wafers for cancer patients.
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