Here are the latest Foregen updates:
Recellularization Scales to Larger Samples
Following the successful pilot recellularization experiments we reported in January, Dr. Žiaran and his team have moved to the next phase: seeding larger tissue samples. The team has progressed from small well plates to petri dish-scale experiments, testing how cells behave on bigger sections of our decellularized scaffolds. Confocal microscopy data from these experiments is expected soon. If these larger 2D experiments are successful, the team plans to advance to full 3D samples, another step toward producing implant-ready tissue.
Biomechanical Testing
Ján Kováč recently traveled to Austria to conduct a series of biomechanical measurements on tissue samples in collaboration with a research partner there. This testing is helping the team understand how our tissue engineering processes affect the physical properties of the scaffolds. The early results are promising, and the team believes this data will contribute to future scientific publications. Rigorous biomechanical characterization like this is exactly what regulatory bodies will want to see as we move toward clinical trials.
In Vivo Safety Studies Progressing
Dr. Žiaran reported on ongoing in vivo studies examining how decellularized scaffolds perform after subcutaneous implantation in rats over extended timeframes. The team is gathering histological data from these studies, and ethical committee approval for the longer-duration experiments is expected soon. These results will further strengthen our safety profile and are being prepared for future publication.
New Capabilities Coming Online
The research team is also setting up a dedicated gene expression analysis laboratory, which will allow molecular-level verification that cells growing on our scaffolds are producing the correct proteins and structural components. This capability is expected to be operational by spring and will add another layer of quality assurance to our tissue engineering process.
February Fundraising
We are grateful for the continued generosity of our community. Foregen raised a total of $16,081 in February. Your donations directly fund the advanced research described above, from the biomechanics testing in Austria to the cell cultures growing on our scaffolds in Piešťany. Every contribution brings us closer to clinical trials. If you'd like to support our work, please visit foregen.org/donate.
