Fill the void
A group of researchers from Purdue University and the University of California School of Medicine conducted preclinical trials of a regenerative tissue filler. This is the first collagen of its kind to form a framework in situ. When used as a filler for soft tissue defects, it accelerates and improves tissue repair.
The collagen polymer used in this technology can also benefit groups of patients in need of soft tissue repair or reconstruction, including children with birth defects, patients with non-healing ulcers, after traumatic injuries and undergoing surgery to remove tumors with the capture of healthy tissue.
The technology was tested on Yucatan mini-pigs, simulating an organ-sparing operation to remove about 1/4 of the breast. The regenerative filler restored the shape and elasticity of the organ and eventually allowed the formation of new tissue, including the mammary glands themselves, ducts and adipose tissue. The filler also helped to avoid the subsidence of the wound and the formation of scars, which can be painful for patients and deform the chest.
This filler is a highly purified liquid collagen, which, when mixed with a patented buffer, can be injected into the empty spaces of organs. Liquid collagen adapts to the geometry of the voids individual for the patient, and then undergoes a self-assembly reaction to form a fibrillar collagen framework similar to those that support body tissues. This frame has the consistency of soft tissues, is stable and promotes regeneration.
According to the authors, this is the first medical product developed using innovative collagen polymerization technology. The properties of the collagen polymer make it possible to custom-make a wide range of materials for various applications, including tissue repair, delivery of therapeutic molecules or improving the connection of tissues and implantable devices.
Article by T.J.Puls et al. Regenerative tissue filler for breast preserving surgery and other soft tissue restoration and reconstruction needs is published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Aminat Adzhieva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on materials from Purdue University: Tissue filler, scaffold technologies provide new options for patients with breast cancer, other diseases.