MIT & Harvard's Research Uses 3D Scaffold To Test Drug Response By Tissues

Tissues in 3-dimensions have been successfully grown by researchers on tiny sponge-like scaffolds, which can be implanted into patients. This new scaffold was made from 'EPOXY'- a non-toxic material capable of making porous 3-D structures that can monitor electrical activity and response of cells  (inside the structure) to a specific drug. Researchers from Boston's Children Hospital, Harvard University and MIT have added a technical element to scaffolds, called electronic sensor.  Till now, these sensors were used on tissues grown in 2-D on planar metal electrode or transistors, which weren't capable of replicating the natural tissues accurately. Hence, a 3-D scaffold that could overcome all the problems was brought into light.  The sensors are made up of silicon nanowires and are used to control drug release or monitor electrical activity in the tissue that surrounds the scaffold.

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The main function of silicon nanowires is to carry electrical signals to and from the cells, which are grown within the structure. The small size and stability if these nanowires make them optimum for implantation within living tissues. These nanowires can detect voltages less than 1000th of a watt. Studies have shown that scaffolds can be used to grow cardiac, neural and muscle tissues helping to monitor cell's response to noradrenalin (stimulant capable of increasing heart rate). Researchers are looking forward to engineer such a tissue which are capable of, not only sensing but also responding to an electrical and chemical event.

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