Who we are
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We're a Bio-Tech startup, spun-out from Newcastle University in 2019
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Our ambition is to produce bio-equivalent tissues for clinical and cellular agriculture
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We apply novel bio-inspired manufacturing processes to generate complex structures
Who's who
Dr Che Connon
CEO
Dr Che Connon - Che has over 20 years experience in extracellular matrix biology and is currently Professor of Tissue Engineering. He is also a seasoned entrepreneur having successfully spun out 3 bio-tech companies
Dr Ricardo Gouveia
CSO
Dr Ricardo Gouveia - Ricardo is a New Harvest Research Fellow and the company’s co-founder. He is an expert in cell biology and biomaterials
Dr Miguel Jarrin
R&D Scientist
Dr Miguel Jarrin - Experienced cell biologist in the cornea and lens, Miguel is responsible for tissue production
Dr Rachel Sanders
R&D Technician
Dr Rachel Sanders - Our newest recruit, Rachel recently obtained her PhD from Edinburgh University in molecular biology
Background
Our technology is built upon 20 years of basic research
Applying the hypothesis that a better understanding of biology will lead to improved approaches to tissue engineering we have developed a powerful new process we call TISSUE TEMPLATING
Tissue templating is an in-house engineering platform that takes a bio-inspired, bottom-up approach to tissue engineering to create STRUCTURED, FUNCTIONAL and SCALABLE tissues
Our products
Summary
Structured
Our tissue templating approach to engineering tissues is cell based. Highly organised structures with an accurate nano-scale through to macro-scale ensue.
Functional
Engineered tissue with appropriate hirearchical ECM arrangement produces unrilvaled performance and functionality.
Scalable
Our production suits a traditional centralised manufacturing approach, in which 100's of tissue engineered products can be produced daily and without the use of animal components.
The
Problem
The Problem
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Tissue structure is incredibly complex, from nano through to macro scales
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Hierarchical organisation is essential to all tissue structures
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Appropriate structure = Proper function
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Accurately replicating nanoscale organisation of tissue ultrastructure is a considerable engineering challenge
Platform Technology
Platform
Technology
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Apply physical and biochemical cues to direct/orgainse cells growth
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Use the inherent power of cells
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Self-assembling cells form highly structured natural tissues
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Serum free culture conditions
The
Solution
The Solution
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Use the inherent power of cells to engineer tissue
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Nanoscale resolution
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Hierarchical structure
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Physiological function
Technology built upon science
Assessment of corneal substrate biomechanics and its effect on epithelial stem cell maintenance and differentiation
RM Gouveia, G Lepert, S Gupta, RR Mohan, C Paterson, CJ Connon 2019
Nature communications 10 (1), 1-17
4D Corneal Tissue Engineering: Achieving Time‐Dependent Tissue Self‐Curvature through Localized Control of Cell Actuators
M Miotto, RM Gouveia, AM Ionescu, F Figueiredo, IW Hamley, CJ Connon 2019
Advanced Functional Materials 29 (8), 1807334
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Template curvature influences cell alignment to create improved human corneal tissue equivalents
RM Gouveia, E Koudouna, J Jester,
F Figueiredo, CJ Connon 2017
Advanced Biosystems 1 (12), 1700135
