Sechenov University together with the National Medical Research Center for Children's Health and the Institute of Photonic Technologies (Federal Scientific Research Centre “Crystallography and Photonics” of the Russian Academy of Sciences) decided to create a brain extracellular matrix. The project is supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research.

The matrix has been already undergoing experimental procedures at the laboratories. Now the scientists are investigating how the polymer structure is successfully absorbed in a mouse body, and whether it will lead to rejection of the artificial matrix by other tissues.

Artificial extracellular matrix can be used not only for brain, but also to restore structural integrity of musculoskeletal tissues, epithelial linings (skin, gastrointestinal and urinary tracts).

"The cycle of our research is devoted to development of three-dimension (3D) artificial materials- extracellular matrix analogues. They repeat mechanical properties of brain tissue, support cell division and growth. The created structures will be able to simulate lost intercellular matrix for central nervous system tissue helping its recovery,"- commented Dr. Petr Timashev, Director of the Institute for Regenerative Medicine (Sechenov University).