Abstract:
A method and a combination for the cultivation of eukaryotic cells are provided, as well as a method for preparation of eukaryotic cells. The methods comprise providing a sample of eukaryotic cells to be cultured, applying said sample to a cell scaffold material; and maintaining said cell scaffold material having cells applied thereto under conditions suitable for cell culture. The combination comprises eukaryotic cells and a cell scaffold material. The cell scaffold material comprises a polymer of a spider silk protein.
Abstract:
A cell scaffold material is manufactured by providing an aqueous solution of a silk protein capable of assembling into a water-insoluble macrostructure. The silk protein is mixed with eukaryotic cells, and the silk protein is assembled into a water-insoluble macrostructure in the presence of the cells, thereby forming a scaffold material for cultivating the cells. The cells can be grown integrated with the scaffold material under conditions suitable for cell culture.