Why use SilkFusion system
SilkFusion is a groundbreaking 3D silk-fibroin technology for ex-vivo large-scale production of blood platelets for human transfusion from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Its core technology combines genetically engineered human pluripotent stem cells differentiating into megakaryocytes and functionalized silk-fibroin platforms and bio-inks to release the platelets from the megakaryocytes.
The problem to solve
The limited supply of human platelets and the rapidly growing demand for medical research and clinical applications including studies of platelet-related disease mechanisms and platelet transfusions for patients, are manifest.
Due to the ageing population and ever more aggressive chemotherapies, platelet demand is increasing by 10% every year, while the supply of platelets is entirely dependent on allogenic donations. In Europe, the demand of platelets averages 5 units per 1,000 population per annum, i.e. 2.5 million units per year, costing over €375 million. Lastly, there is a clear need for reproducible solutions to assist patients with acute haemorrhage resulting from trauma, surgery and emergency treatment in conflict zones.