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

Introduction: 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]. Aims and Objectives: 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]. Methods: 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. References [1] O.Hallgren et al. Respiratory Research 2010 11:55 [2] A. Ibanez-Fonseca et al. J Tissue Eng Regen Med. 2018;12:e1450–e1460.