UCL CENTRE FOR MATERIALS RESEARCH

Research Summary

The gastrointestinal tract is essential for maintaining physiological homeostasis but has only a limited capacity to regenerate and repair in response to disease.

Our translational, interdisciplinary research is primarily focussed on applying principles of regenerative medicine to bowel function and other debilitating conditions as part of the UCL Grand Challenge of Human Wellbeing.

The primary research purpose of the group is to develop innovative therapeutic devices, for example for the treatment of gastrointestinal fistulas and faecal incontinence. Our research encompasses a 'bench to bedside' and 'bedside to bench' approach, with feedback sought from clinical staff and patients at an early stage during device development.

We have developed a novel microsphere-based scaffold and drug encapsulation/delivery technology that offers significant advantages over existing approaches for fistula repair. We are in the process of: 1) demonstrating that key features of the microspheres are retained when manufactured under GMP for clinical application; 2) demonstrating that the microspheres are safe to use in perianal fistulas through a first-in-man safety study; and 3) obtaining CE mark for this Class III medical device.

We have identified new composite bioactive materials for use in tissue engineering. We have shown that certain forms of bioactive glass are able to stimulate angiogenesis, a feature that can be utilized in regenerative medicine to promote integration of implanted scaffolds.

We are investigating the use of our microspheres as a platform technology to encapsulate and deliver growth factors and cells capable of promoting sphincter muscle growth for treatment of incontinence, as well as facilitating healing of chronic wounds elsewhere in the body.

We are conducting pioneering research into the innovative use of magnetic actuation to regenerate dysfunctional sphincter muscle, which, if successful, will provide a significant breakthrough in the treatment of incontinence.