Written by Hafsah Ganatra and Edited by Gouri Ajith
As science veers into new and adventurous directions, many traditional forms of medicine are being improved to match this general trend of progression. One of these healing methods includes the biological scaffold, a medicinal staple used in various forms of healing for fractures that include bone repair, cuts, burns, and sores [1]. These scaffolds are structures with the ability to provide stabilizing support and can range from natural polymers within the human body (such as proteins and fat) to synthetic biomaterials like collagen sponges, in which protein is bonded within a sponge [2]. A common example is the scaffold used for bone repair after fractures or breakages. At the Imperial College London, a research team has developed a new type of regenerating scaffold called Traction Force-Activated Payloads, or TrAP for short [3]. This revolutionary molecule mimics the natural curative process that already occurs within the body and aids our cells by providing access to human healing proteins.
Essentially, the TrAP consists of pieces of folded DNA bound to proteins with specific attachments to make the proteins accessible for cells to activate. Specific cells can weave through the fibers of the scaffold and recognize the attachments to access the healing proteins bound inside. These healing proteins work to increase the number of cells as well as the amount of growth factors being used to treat the wound. Growth factors, which can include vitamins or hormones, improve cell function and can also initiate healing. Through adjustments of the attachments used to draw specific cells, scientists can also manipulate which specific cells are used to activate the TrAP. Furthermore, the TrAPs can be applied to a wide variety of synthetic materials including sponges, woven fabrication, and even glass materials used for microscopes [3].
As one of the first developments of its kind, these various beneficial characteristics of the TrAP make the nano-molecule significant in the world of healing medicine. The ability to selectively choose which cells need to be used to activate the TrAP gives scientists leeway in creating different techniques to treat specific injuries, whether they are on the surface or inside the body. Previous studies have indicated that there are therapeutic benefits to administering concentrations of growth factors within a cell [4]. The TrAP further enhances this feature through its low cost and easy producibility on various materials commonly found within clinics [3].
The vast potential of TrAP remains to be seen. Future applications of TrAP could be to repair wounds, bones, and nerves. As research in this upcoming field of regenerative medicine continues, further studies could focus on the long-lasting quality of the TrAP molecule and clinical testing on the use of the TrAP in various medicinal treatments [3].
References:
- Loh, Q. L., Choong, C. (2013). Three-dimensional scaffolds for tissue engineering applications: role of porosity and pore size. Tissue engineering. Part B, Reviews. 19:485-502.
- O’Brien, F. J. (2011). Biomaterials & scaffolds for tissue engineering. Materials Today. 14:88-95.
- Stejskalová, A., Oliva, N., England, F. J., Almquist. B. D. (2018). Biologically Inspired, Cell‐Selective Release of Aptamer‐Trapped Growth Factors by Traction Forces. Advanced Materials. 10:1-8.