Artificial biocomposites of silk fibroin and amyloid fibrils

Researchers have combined two widely-studied fibrous protein assemblies – silk fibroin fibrils and amyloid fibrils – into a novel composite material. By varying the weight ratio of the two components, mechanical properties could be tuned: more amyloid fibril increased tensile modulus whereas more silk fibroin promotes tougher composites. The amyloid component could be enzymatically removed to generate a porous silk membrane.  Inorganic components were also added and a shape memory effect observed.  

Modulating Materials by Orthogonally Oriented β-Strands: Composites of Amyloid and Silk Fibroin Fibrils; S. Ling et al; Advanced Materials; DOI: 10.1002/adma.201400730

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.201400730/abstract

Barriers to commercially viable cell- and tissue therapies

Experts have identified hurdles to the successful commercialisation of innovations in regenerative medicine. Particularly, they recognised challenges in bioreactor-based manufacturing hindering the scale-up of therapies. This field is expensive and risky to invest in so the experts suggest developing manufacturing processes within academia rather than hoping for angel investment.

Manufacturing challenges in regenerative medicine; I. Martin et al; Science Translational Medicine; Vol. 6(232); p. 232; 2014.

http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/6/232/232fs16.full