Ellis Developments Limited

Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom

We are working with Oxford Biomaterials Ltd, and the Department of Zoology at the University of Oxford to develop spider-like silks for a range of applications.

 

Although there is much incorrect information disseminated in the popular press about such silks, they have extremely useful properties when used as a biological material,

 

Oxford Biomaterials developed Spidrex, an entirely new biomaterial modelled on spider silk. It is derived from silk fibroins - large polypeptides which confer excellent mechanical properties on Spidrex based materials and which are naturally degraded by the body over time.

 

Spidrex is manufactured as both a regenerated fibroin matrix and a tough fibre, as well as a composite of the two. This variety of forms provides great flexibility in the range of application which Spidrex can be used for, from complex woven textile based devices to porous protein sponges.

 

From this adaptable technology platform, Oxford Biomaterials are pursuing product development in the areas of nerve repair, wound closure, cartilage repair and bone graft materials.

 

We have used one of our specially treated embroidered fibre matrices as a scaffold on which to print cells using ink-jet printers. The cells are viable after printing, and can potentially be used to develop three dimensional cellular structures ultimately for implantation as more complex tissue structures. There is much work still to be carried out, and we would welcome enquiries.

 

 

 

Julian Ellis will be delighted to hear from you. Telephone on +44 (0) 1636  812100

 

email: info@ellisdev.co.uk

 

We are based at The Stables, Hall Farm, Kirklington, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG22 8NN, United Kingdom