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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R30853/01
Title: Synthesis, Processing & Characterisation of Peptide Containing Block Copolymers For Skin Reconstruction.
Principal Investigator: Ryan, Professor AJ
Other Investigators:
Hunter, Professor CA Haycock, Professor JW MacNeil, Professor S
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Chemistry
Organisation: University of Sheffield
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 17 September 2001 Ends: 16 September 2004 Value (£): 354,164
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Development (Biosciences) Materials Characterisation
Materials Synthesis & Growth Medical science & disease
Tissue Engineering
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Tissue Engineering of skin is presently compromised by the lad( of a safe synthetic alternative to human dermis. Human donor dermis can be effectively reconstituted with patient's cells expanded up in the laboratory and then used to achieve permanent skin replacement in patients with extensive full thickness skin loss, but this has a risk of disease transmission. Current synthetic dermal substitute materials are relatively simple and don't adequately mimic the function of native dermis, which provides attachment sites for cells and confers protection on the cells within. Native dermis also undergoes wound repair and remodelling and the asymmetric architecture facilitates cell entry and vascularisation.We propose to achieve key functions of natural dermis by synthesising asymmetric block copolymers of peptides and polyethers capable of promoting cell attachment, conferring anti-inflammatory properties on cells within the material and undergoing slow biodegradation in response to natural degradative enzymes encountered in the wound bed. The asymmetric geography of the material will also promote vascularisation. We intend to achieve this by using our knowledge o skin biology and wound healing to inform the design of the material. A detailed work programme outlining the synthesis processing and characterisation of this biomimetic material is enclosed.
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.shef.ac.uk