Blend of silk and cellulose could provide scaffolding for stem cell therapy

 Discovery of a blend of natural fibres – such as silk and cellulose – brings affordable and effective stem cell therapy for cartilage repair one step closer.

Scientists have been seeking a “smart material” to use as a matrix that stem cells can cling to as they grow. A team from the University of Bristol found an unexpected use for molecules of silk and cellulose when mixed with stem cells.

 “This new blend can cut the cost for health providers and makes progress towards effective cell-based therapy for cartilage repair a step closer,” says lead author, Dr Wael Kafienah. “The blend seems to provide complex chemical and mechanical cues that induce stem cell differentiation into preliminary form of chondrocytes without need for biochemical induction using expensive soluble differentiation factors.”