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In the emerging field of tissue engineering, new therapies are developed to restore or improve lost tissue and organ function by supporting the patient´s intrinsic healing mechanisms. Numerous research groups worldwide are attempting to achieve this goal by combining the patient's own cells with biocompatible and degradable matrices to promote regeneration and the return of function in a range of tissue types.

The choice of the biocompatible carrier (also called the "scaffold"), is crucial to the success of regeneration. During the course of regeneration and repair, the scaffold frequently becomes redundant and must be degraded by the body without the release of any toxic residues.

Matricel has been developing and producing collagen scaffolds for tissue engineering applications that have been applied in the clinic since 2002. The OptiMaix product line was specifically developed to provide optimized scaffolds for both in vitro and in vivo research purposes, facilitating advances in tissue engineering and biotechnology. The OptiMaix scaffolds are, at present, not indicated for human use.




	OptiMaix scaffolds are produced from porcine collagen using controlled manufacturing processes resulting in an end product with a highly reproducible structure and properties. The starting materials for the production of OptiMaix scaffolds are harvested from animals declared fit for human consumption under strict veterinary supervision, in facilities that have been certified by the EU. OptiMaix scaffolds are provided sterile, pyrogen free and are ready for use. The inactivation steps that have been incorporated in the manufacturing processalso ensure that the OptiMaix scaffolds are safe (e.g. with respect to potential transmission of infective agents like viruses and prions.

OptiMaix-2D and OptiMaix-3D scaffolds have proven compatible with a wide range of cell types including stem cells (embryonic stem cells, bone marrow derived stem cells, adipose tissue derived stem cells), differentiated primary cells (e.g. fibroblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, olfactory nerve cells, astrocytes, Schwann cells) as well as with a number ofcell lines. OptiMaix scaffolds are stable under normal cell culture conditions and have typically been used for culturing periods of up to three weeks. In in vivo investigations, (cell seeded) OptiMaix have been demostrated to be biodegradable in the absence of any significant inflammatory reactions. Furthermore, OptiMaix scaffolds do not induce immunological reactions.




	OptiMaix-2D scaffolds are collagen membranes that provide a flat surface for cell culture experiments. They have a dense fibrous side and an open fibrous side. Both sides can be seeded with cells depending on the application. The dense fibrous side has been shown to be beneficial for the culture of epithelial-like cells, while the open fibrous side allows a limited migration of cells into the fibrous structure.

OptiMaix-3D scaffolds provide a unique three-dimensional matrix structure for in vitro investigations. As a result of the patented manufacturing process, the highly orientated and porous three-dimensional scaffold offers a guidance structure that supports substantial cell migration, proliferation and maintained viability. The further proliferation, differentiation or growth of the cells deep within the OptiMaix-3D scaffolds can be adequately controlled due to excellent diffusion properties of the matrix for nutrients, growth factors and gases.

The video sequence on the left side illustrates the directional ice crystallization process that is used to create the open porous OptiMaix-3D scaffolds with the guidance structure as shown above.

The ice crystals (in yellow) grow from left to right with a finger-like shape and restructure the collagen within the aqueous system in the manner shown above. After freeze-drying the final structure is achieved.


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