1 ° July 2022 - "Selective positioning of different cell types on 3D scaffolds via DNA hybridization" is the title of the work carried out by Enrico Lemma, research fellow at the Research Unit of Tissue and Chemical Engineering for the Engineering of theUniversità Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, which earned him the "Best Presentation" award among the 45 presented at the IX National Workshop AICIng (Italian Association of Chemistry for Engineering). Together with his colleagues, Eng. Lemma worked on the creation of three-dimensional micro-structures capable of "hosting" different types of cells.
The technique used is innovative compared to those already described in the literature and consists in modifying the surfaces of the micro-structures and cell membranes with single strands of DNA, complementary to each other, in such a way that a stable bond (hybridization) can be created between the cell and material. By appropriately varying the base sequences, which constitute the DNA strands "hooked" to the scaffolds and cells, it is possible to create multiple combinations which guarantee the adhesion of different cell lines to different areas of the same structure.
The work represents a first step to create smart micro-structures, capable of hosting complex cellular constructs which, in perspective, can be used for the regeneration of stratified tissues, such as that of the retina.
The study, which is currently under peer review, was largely carried out at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany, where until a few months ago Eng. Lemma was working as a post-doc and fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, under the direction of Prof. Martin Bastmeyer. "The acquired know-how and experience in the field of micro-fabrication techniques, surface science and cell culture protocols will allow me to continue to further develop this promising project in theUniversità Campus Bio-Medico di Roma - has ofchiarato Eng. Lemma - I am therefore grateful to Prof. Marcella Trombetta and to the prof. Alberto Rainer for welcoming us into the team UCBM and in the daily support to research".
