In this article we will be looking at TrAPs (traction-activated platforms) and their application within biomedicine science. TrAPs are materials which can assist in the wound healing process by responding to small forces of exertion from cell movement. They do this by changing shape and releasing molecules that assist in the healing process.
We must first analyse the mechanism of action. TrAPs work by converting the mechanical stimuli into chemical signals, which can be referred to as bioactive molecules. These are proteins which stimulate cell growth and repair, for example VEGFs (vascular endothelial growth factor), which are proteins that promote the formation of new blood vessels in the affected area via angiogenesis.
To execute this, TrAPs are made up of elastic materials which help them stretch when cells exert a force on them. Synthetic materials used to generate these properties include polyethylene glycol (PEG), Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), Polyacrylamide, Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM). The natural polymers used in this process will be collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Gelatin, and Chitosan.
Synthetic materials can be used to create TrAPs. The first step in the process is choosing a suitable polymer and synthesising that polymer, either by purchasing it in the pre-polymerized form or synthesising it in a lab.
Next, the polymer must be dissolved in a suitable solvent. For PEG, water or aqueous solutions are common solvents, while organic solvents like dichloromethane or chloroform are used for PLGA.
The polymer solution is then poured into a mould and allowed to dry to form a solid scaffold, after which nano/microfibrous scaffolds are created by electrospinning. This technique uses an electric field to draw the polymer into fine fibres, which are collected on a target to form a mesh. 3D printing is also a common approach to creating these scaffolds.
Next, chemical treatments are used, such as plasma treatment, which involves exposing the scaffold to plasma to introduce it to functional groups such as hydroxyl and carboxyl groups on the surface. This will assist in cell attachment and responsiveness. The aforementioned VEGF bioactive molecules are then incorporated within the polymer matrix and are stabilised by crosslinkers such as glutaraldehyde or carbodiimides.
So, why are TrAPs so important in scientific fields such as biomedical engineering, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering? One of their most crucial applications is in wound healing, where they release growth factors and cytokines in response to mechanical forces from cells, which can lead to faster and more efficient wound repair. Likewise, they would be significantly beneficial in repairing chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers or pressure sores. Furthermore, they can be used in cancer treatment, due to properties which make them useful in drug delivery. They can be designed to release anti-cancer drugs in response to mechanical forces within the tumour environment, helping to create more targeted treatments.
All in all, recent advances in material science have enabled scientists to evolve the technology of TrAPs, which have been proven to be very valuable in stimulating efficient wound repair, and, due to their multifaceted nature, can be applied to many areas of biomedical research.
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