Materials expert Ana Gantar discusses temporary three-dimensional cellular scaffolds for tissue engineering.

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ANA GANTAR graduated from the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana and is currently pursuing a PhD at the Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School. She is a Junior Researcher at the Department for Nanostructured Materials at the Jožef Stefan Institute. Her research focuses on bioactive materials used to create temporary three-dimensional cellular scaffolds, which are implanted into the body to aid bone healing. The main substance is bioactive glass with isolated natural or synthetic polymers developed by the Institute. To produce “active bandages” for treating skin injuries, Ana isolates silk proteins from silkworm cocoons, which (to an outsider, at least) adds a little drama to the world of lab coats and nanomaterials. She claims her work does not involve alchemy, although she admits to having recently read The Alchemist.

Author: LUKA AUSEC, holds a doctorate in biosciences and can fluently read DNA – and sometimes literature. Enthusiastic about bending the body and the mind in all directions – and sometimes inwards. Enjoys spreading inspiring ideas – sometimes as tweets.

Translated by: Urša Klinc.