Friday, 19 June 2026

The research was conducted with the Materials Engineering and Manufacturing team at the Bioeconomy Science Institute and in conjunction with the University of Otago.

Polymer scaffolds are used to grow human cells outside of the body. The nanocellulose scaffolds mimic the structures found in the body, known as extracellular matrix. Growing human cells like skin cells on these scaffolds enables functional tissue to be grown with potential use as skin grafts.

Adding seaweed nanocellulose to the scaffolds greatly improves their biocompatibility, letting skin cells grow and attach onto these materials very well

Janet explains what’s really cool about the project “the nanocellulose that I've used is actually derived from an industrial waste stream. So what we've shown is that something that was going to be thrown out and composted can actually be transformed into something that has a really high value application in human health.”

The project has been developed directly out of the collaboration between AgriSea and the Bioeconomy Science Institute started 10 years ago.

“I’ve found it helpful to be able to access expertise and composite materials, biomaterials, and in particular cellulosic materials. The University of Otago’s medical expertise has also been really key, in particular their expertise in mammalian cell culture. I'm hoping that future work in this project will continue on with developing these materials into functional constructs that can be used in regenerative medicine.”

“Nanocellulose is a really versatile material, so there is opportunity to explore its use in cosmetics or drug delivery or the engineering of other tissues.”

Fibroblasts under the microscope

Image gallery in full screen mode

Image of fibroblasts on microgels at 5X magnification

Fibroblasts, a type of biological cell, on microgels at 5X magnification

Image of fibroblasts on microgels at 63X magnification

Fibroblasts, a type of biological cell, on microgels at 63X magnification 

Full journal article

Reid, JV, Hazelton, N, Hill SJ, Le Guen M-J, and Wise, LM (2025) Nanocellulose Source and Morphology Impact on Properties of Composite Gelatin Hydrogel Scaffolds. Tissue Engineering Part A. 2026;0(0)

See also

A surprising use for seaweed

Media contact

Bioeconomy Science Institue - Scion Group

Justine McLeary - Communications & Media Lead

+64 (022) 402 3526

justine.mcleary@scionresearch.com