Honey-Eluting Cryogel for Tissue Engineering

Researchers have developed a cryogel, and a process for its production, that enables the incorporation and elution of honey for tissue engineering and other medical applications. The cryogel is also biodegradable.

BACKGROUND:
Since ancient times, healers have used honey to treat wounds because it was believed to help fight against infection. With the development of antibiotics, the practice fell out of favor with medical professionals. However, scientists are revisiting honey as an antimicrobial agent because of the growing worldwide challenge of antibiotic resistance bacteria. But one of the challenges encountered is the effective application and delivery of the substance to take advantage of its potential medical benefits. This technology addresses this challenge.

BENEFITS:
The potential benefits of this technology include:

• Increase the control of honey elution for medical applications
• Increase integration with host tissue
• Increase cell infiltration
• Increase angiogenesis
• Increase cellular proliferation
• Increase matrix production
• Increase ability to benefit from the antimicrobial effects of specific types of medical grade honey

APPLICATIONS:
This technology has a variety of potential applications including:

• Drug delivery
• Wound healing
• Dermalrepair
• Bone repair
• Cartilage regeneration
• Oral and maxillofacialrepair