A top method has been discovered for assessing "scaffolds" used in the cultivation of bioequivalents.

Atomic force microscopy is more suitable than other methods for assessing the structure and mechanical properties of decellularized extracellular matrix—a material that remains after the removal of cells from organs and is utilized in tissue engineering as a "scaffold" for growing new tissues. This conclusion was reached by researchers from Sechenov University of the Ministry of Health of Russia in collaboration with colleagues from Kazan Federal University.

2024-12-09 10:00:09https://naked-science.ru/article/column/najden-luchshij-sposob-ot

The study was published in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials. The work was conducted as part of the strategic academic leadership program "Priority 2030".

The extracellular matrix is a complex network of molecules that surrounds cells in the body, supports their structure, and aids in the transmission of biological signals. When creating tissue bioequivalents, the extracellular matrix is cleared of cells, leaving only the scaffold—the foundation used for growing new cells. This process is known as decellularization. The quality of the "scaffold" is crucial for the successful cultivation of tissues.

Researchers analyzed nearly 150 studies, including their own, focused on the assessment of the condition of decellularized extracellular matrix and the cells growing within it. Based on the data reviewed, they concluded that atomic force microscopy offers the greatest advantages over other methods.

Unlike optical microscopy or computed tomography, atomic force microscopy allows for the simultaneous examination of the material's structure and roughness, as well as its mechanical properties, such as the modulus of elasticity. This method does not destroy the sample, enabling the repeated investigation of the same material. Such an approach helps to quickly identify defects and adjust processes, achieving high precision in tissue cultivation.

“Atomic force microscopy allows us to 'see' the structure of the matrix and verify how well it meets the requirements of regenerative medicine—for instance, whether the fibers are correctly positioned or if the material is strong enough for the future cellular construct,” explained Anastasia Frolova, head of the correlation microscopy laboratory at Sechenov University.

Atomic force microscopy makes the process of creating tissue-engineered constructs more accurate and reliable, as it allows for a detailed examination of the resulting materials and the identification of discrepancies. This is an important step toward creating bioequivalents that closely resemble the properties of natural tissues in the body.