Novel wound covering from fish collagen developed by UNN scientists
Researchers from Lobachevsky University have proposed to accelerate wound healing and to protect wounds from infection using new biologically active coverings based on cod collagen.
Their findings were published in the journal Polymers. Creating wound healing materials is an important task for scientists, since the number and variety of wounds resulting from surgical interventions, accidents and burns remains consistently high. One of the key trends in regenerative medicine involves the use of natural biocompatible polymers.
UNN scientists have developed a technology to produce wound-healing coverings (films, sponges, and scaffolds) using collagen derived from cod processing waste. The coverings are unique because they can independently and without additional treatment inhibit the growth of mold fungi and bacteria, the researchers noted.
"There are no comparable domestic materials on the market, and their application is particularly promising in non-sterile conditions. Moreover, our innovation outperforms commercial alternatives in terms of effectiveness," said Lyudmila Semenycheva, head of the Petrochemistry Research Laboratory at the UNN Research Institute for Chemistry.
According to the researchers, collagen from commercial fish was chosen because of its close resemblance to human collagen, which ensures high biocompatibility. Moreover, it is a renewable, cost-effective, and safe resource with no risk of disease transmission from animals to humans.
"Collagen is the most abundant protein and an excellent base for regenerative materials. However, to achieve the necessary effect, its natural structure needs to be transformed into a durable three-dimensional matrix. We have succeeded in doing this," Lyudmila Semenycheva pointed out.
The proposed approach is based on modifying collagen by means of radical chemistry methods. This involves using highly active particles, or radicals, to change the structure of the substance. This allows for the introduction of biocompatible natural and synthetic fragments, creating a durable three-dimensional matrix that is necessary for tissue repair.
According to the authors of the study, the effectiveness of the new coverings has already been confirmed. Their biocompatibility was demonstrated in the biotechnology laboratory at the Privolzhsky Research Medical University. Wound healing tests conducted at the UNN Institute of Biology and Biomedicine have shown significantly higher efficiency compared to commercial materials based on bovine collagen.
Currently, the research is advancing to the pilot project phase, which involves a full cycle of preclinical trials for subsequent implementation in medical practice. Lobachevsky University experts believe that in the future such materials could be used to repair any type of body tissue.
The study was carried out with the financial support of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation and the Priority 2030 programme.
