Multidisciplinary Bioengineering Approach to Perianal Fistula in Crohn’s Patients: Designing a Gelatin Fiber-Based HA (GelHA) Plug to Treat Perianal Fistulas
- Program: Materials Science and Engineering
- Course: EN.510.439 Biomaterials Senior Design
Project Description:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly CD, which can result in chronic wounds and soft tissue loss, is a complex, multifaceted, immune-mediated illness that remains a growing issue globally. Perianal fistulas (PAF) appear in 30-40% of CD patients, and PAF in CD (CD-PAF) is believed to affect upwards of 15,000 new patients every year. Current treatments for perianal fistulas (PAF) in patients suffering from Crohn’s Disease (CD) have proven to be ineffective in preventing fistula reoccurrences. Consequently, effective treatment of PAF remains an unresolved issue in gastroenterology. Surgical interventions for the treatment CD-PAF have remained unfeasible due to fistula recurrences and damage to the anal sphincter, heightening the symptoms of CD-PAF. This project aims to (1) develop a biodegradable Gelatin-hyaluronic acid (GelHA) composite (nanofiber hydrogel composite) NHC plug to withstand mechanical conditions of perianal tracts and (2) evaluate the ability of the GelHA composite plug co-delivered with ADSCs to promote remodeling of PAF and to assess biocompatbility through in vitro cell culture studies.
Project Photo:
A visualization of the GelHA composite plug therapeutic in the perianal fistula tract, co-delivered with adipose-derived stem cells.