Discuss the properties of a suitable matrix/ Chemical Engineering
A company affiliated with one for which you are working has recently developed a new method for genetically engineering skin cells in order that they overproduce a protein that is useful for the treatment of serious burn injuries. However, the company has no expertise in the field of polymers and biomaterials where they could possibly exploit this discovery in order to develop a skin substitute that will both cover the wound and treat it at the same time.
a) Discuss the properties of a ‘suitable’ matrix in terms of what may be appropriate for maintaining the viability of these cells. What further information would you request from the cell biologists in order to make suitable judgments about the nature of the polymer that would be used.
b) What physical and mechanical properties would you consider in selecting a polymer for this application?
