SilkFUSION · Genetically engineered human pluripotent stem cells, functionalized silk-fibroin platforms and bio-inks: a novel solution for large-scale ex-vivo platelet production, transfusion and drug research

The demand for human platelets (plts) for medical research and clinical applications is massive. The primary goal of SilkFUSION is to engineer groundbreaking 3D nanotechnologies for large-scale production of blood plts for human transfusion from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Our hypothesis is that plt production ex-vivo can be optimized by providing megakaryocytes (Mks) with the correct physical and biochemical environment.To prove this, we will develop a unique technological platform by engineering non-thrombogenic silk-fibroin biomaterial with proteins, that were proven to promote a 55-fold gain in plt production, to create a three-dimensional ex-vivo bone marrow model that will enhance plt release from Mks derived from hPSCs. Our platform will include (i) novel applications to study pathogenetic mechanisms in patients with inherited platelet production disorders using genetically modified hPSCs