FUTURE HEALTH
HEART VALVE BIOMIMICRY
Revolutionising heart valve replacements by leveraging the durability and biocompatibility of silk fibroin
RESEARCH PROJECT
Aortic stenosis , affecting 2-7 % of those over 65 , is set to rise with the ageing population . Left untreated , severe symptomatic aortic stenosis exhibits a less than 30 % 3-year survival rate . Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is emerging as the preferred method for aortic valve replacement , enabling earlier intervention and enhancing quality of life while reducing the healthcare burden . However , current heart valve replacements have short lifespans , especially in younger patients .
> Developed novel material fabrication methods to mimic the complex 3D structure of heart valve leaflets and other complex , aligned , and anisotropic tissues .
> Established strategic collaborations and secured research funding .
> Established state-of-theart facility for testing the mechanical properties and durability of heart valves .
Native heart valves possess intricate , non-linear structural and mechanical properties essential for their function , unaddressed by existing leaflet materials . Our goal is to develop durable valve leaflets , using silk fibroin , that mimic native complexity and allow for replacement with healthy human tissue . By biomimicking native leaflet structures , we aim to guide effective leaflet regeneration .
In the proof-of-concept stage , our technology involves innovative silk processing into leaflet-like materials , leaflet characterisation facilities , strategic collaborations with researchers , clinicians , and industry , and funding support for our ongoing research .
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