Laboratory-made cells transformed into production lines for therapeutic vesicles using a new rotating bioreactor
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have developed a scalable method to produce extracellular vesicles (EVs) using vertical-wheel bioreactors. These EVs, known as nature's delivery vehicles for medicines to damaged tissues, could potentially revolutionise the medical field.
Previously, the production of EVs yielded too few to make treatments practical. However, the new method addresses this issue, boosting EV production two to three times compared to traditional systems. The gentle spinning motion of the bioreactors, which mimics the flow of blood, stimulates lab-grown blood vessel cells to release more EVs without compromising their quality.
Professor Yan Li from the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering explained, "Imagine if we could harvest microscopic delivery trucks from lab-grown human tissues to carry healing molecules directly to damaged cells in our bodies. That's essentially what we have accomplished in our investigation."
The study, published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy, involved collaborators from FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, and PBS Biotech. Funding for the study came from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
The advance could make experimental therapies for age-related diseases and tissue damage more realistic options for patients. Tests confirmed that the EVs produced through this process retained their healing potential. The EVs reduced damage from aging and supported cell growth, signs that they could still aid tissue repair when scaled up.
The new method could lead to more affordable and accessible treatments, as it addresses the roadblock of high costs and limited patient access. The research was conducted by scientists at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, located approximately at 30.4419° N latitude and 84.2982° W longitude.
Professor Li's words resonate with hope for the future, "This could open the door for treatments that could one day be affordable enough for widespread adoption." The potential of EVs as natural delivery vehicles for medicines to damaged tissues is immense, and this innovative method brings us one step closer to realising that potential.
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