Biocompatible sponge can be injected to deliver stem cells and drugs into the body
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The biocompatible sponge-like cryogel can be pushed through a syringe and return to its original shape (Photo: Sidi Bencherif)
The biocompatible cryogel rapidly regains its original memorized shape, size, and volume upon hydration after being pushed through a syringe (Photo: Sidi Bencherif)
Article Summary
Biocompatible scaffolds, like those developed to stimulate the repair of heart tissue and bone and cartilage in the body, would normally need to be implanted surgically. Now bioengineers at Harvard University have developed a compressible bioscaffold that can be delivered via a syringe before popping back to its original shape inside the body. The material is also able to be loaded up with drugs or living cells that are gradually released as the material breaks down.
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