Selecting Materials for Scaffolds: Robotics Speeds the Process

Scaffolds, or molds in the shape of organs and tissues, are the building blocks of engineered tissues. These scaffolds are then "seeded" with cells. The ideal biomaterial is one that is compatible with the body, promotes cell growth and degrades in the body as the engineered tissue integrates with existing tissue.

At WFIRM, scientists use a robotic system to test how potential biomaterials interact with cells. By investigating the interactions between cells and biomaterials, we are able to identify new biomaterials that can be used in tissue engineering.

The Precision XS robotic system is can process 96 samples in less than 14 seconds. This high-throughput screening of biomaterials allows us to assess hundreds of biomaterials for their potential to help direct cells to form new bone, skin and nerve tissue.