Development of Eco-Friendly Scaffold - A New Approach

Extracellular matrix (ECM)-based scaffold have an established place as medical devices for wound healing and tissue regeneration. The scaffolds available are expensive with a steep price tag of Rs 4,500/-per 100cm² of hydrated sheet of ECM. Further, low mechanical consistency and fast degradation rate and low antimicrobial property of natural scaffolds such as collagen are the main problems restricting its application. The cost involved in setting up of the laboratory/industry as prescribed by various scientists and procuring chemicals required for development of organ scaffolds (patented) is prohibitive and certainly unaffordable for developing country like India. Thus the need to look for alternate method became a dire necessity. A novel, low-cost and eco-friendly scaffolds which overcomes the many drawbacks of conventional scaffolds like low mechanical consistency and fast degradation rate and low antimicrobial property of natural scaffolds, low cytocompatability/toxicity and also makes an attempt to reduce the ecological degradation. These products, developed after two and half years of research and processing, comprises of wastes from animal/natural products as raw materials, to develop the organ scaffolds. The eco-friendly scaffolds prepared in laboratory will be of high quality with improved mechanical properties and have slow degradation rate and high antimicrobial property of natural scaffolds, higher cytocompatability.