02.12.2004
A new Tofu-based biomaterial that can help mend broken bones and damaged tissues is being developed thanks to an investment of £149,000 from NESTA (the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts), the organization that champions UK creativity and innovation.
The idea is the brainchild of Dr Matteo Santin (pictured right) - a senior lecturer at the University of Brighton's School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Studies - who has worked in the field of biomaterials since 1991.
Many existing tissue regeneration materials are derived from animal sources and have several drawbacks, including: a high cost of production, the risk of transmitting disease and the lack of intrinsic benefits to living tissue.
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The Tofu-based biomaterial could offer doctors a new surgical tool in difficult reconstructive cases. For example, dental surgeons will be able to use it as a means of combating periodontal disease - which affects millions of people in the world, yet only a small percentage receive treatment - as it allows for regeneration of the bones around weakened teeth and other dental implants.
NESTA is investing in the project through its Invention and Innovation programme, the biggest source of early stage seed funding in the UK. With this investment, the team will work with specialist medical staff to produce specific formulations for surgical applications and further substantiate the superior performance of the Tofu-based biomaterial.
As well as its use as a bone filler, the novel biomaterial also has the potential to be used in other applications, such as wound dressings. Mark White, Director of Invention and Innovation at NESTA, said: "NESTA is delighted to be investing in the early stage development of this ground-breaking biomaterial. Cheap and simple to manufacture, the Tofu-based biomaterial is the first to integrate quickly with a patient's own tissues, and encourage re-growth of the surrounding tissue. With NESTA support, we are confident that Matteo and his team will be able to progress the material to a real commercial opportunity."
Contact:
For further information and images contact:
Joe Meaney
Communications Manager
NESTA (the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts)
DL: 020 7645 9518
Mob: 07811 336 354
www.nesta.org.uk
The WessexBio Biotechnology Exploitation Platform was established in 2001 with funding from the UK government's Department of Trade and Industry. As a joint venture between the University of Southampton, University of Bournemouth, University of Brighton, University of Portsmouth and Southampton University Hospitals' NHS Trust, WessexBio helps to identify, protect and exploit the innovations and expertise of its partners.
NESTA (the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts) is a non-departmental public body (NDPB) investing in innovators and working to improve the climate for creativity in the UK.
Established in 1998 and set up with an endowment from the National Lottery (£200 million, raised in 2003 to £250 million), NESTA invests the interest to support UK innovation. Since May 2000, when the programmes first opened, NESTA has spent over £58m on programmes supporting 675 awards. Visit www.nesta.org.uk to find out more.
NESTA has a dedicated Media Room on its web site where news releases like this are easily available and where journalists can subscribe to receive any future releases. Other information, including high-resolution images to download and communications contact details, are also available at www.nesta.org.uk/mediaroom
NESTA's Invention and Innovation programme, which is the largest source of seed funding in the UK, has invested in 240 projects totally £15.6m since December 1999.
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
