Tobacco-grown human collagen-based bioinks for 3D bioprinting in development
Regenerative medicine company CollPlant (Israel) has received ₪5.6 million (US$1,450,000) of funding from the Israeli government to support their work on developing human collagen-based bioinks for 3D printing tissues and organs.
CollPlant, a regenerative medicine company based in Israel, has announced the expected receipt of ₪5.6 million (US$1,450,000) from Israel’s Ministry of Economy to support their work on developing human collagen-based bioinks for 3D printing tissues and organs. The resulting engineered organs and tissues could therefore be used for tissue repair following disease or injury, or organ replacement, although CollPlant have cited burns and wound as particular areas of interest.
The funding will cover around half of the expected development costs, and follows a grant of ₪4.7 million ($1,220,000) from the Chief Scientist last year for the development of their plant-based rhCollagen technology.
“We are delighted to receive the Chief Scientist’s authorization for funding of CollPlant’s development programs. The Chief Scientist’s support over the years is an expression of his trust in the commercial potential of the Company’s products. We are currently working on the European sales launch of Vergenix FG, our wound healing product, and are in discussions with potential parties for European distribution of Vergenix STR, our product to treat tendons inflammation, based on the projection that marketing authorization will be granted in the coming months. CollPlant is also working diligently to expand its pipeline products through the development of innovative new products addressing significant market needs, and which will contribute meaningfully to the value of the company,” stated CollPlant CEO Yehiel Tal.
rhCollagen is identical to human type I collagen, therefore offering superior biofunctionality and homogeneity compared with plant collagen, and reduced immunogeneicity. However, it is generated from tobacco plants that have been genetically engineered to product the collagen through the introduction of the required five genes. The crops are hardy, grow quickly and can easily be harvested, for the extraction and subsequent purification of the collagen.
As well as using the material to develop products to support burn and wound healing, the company is also looking to focus on treat tendon and ligament tears.
Source: https://3dprint.com/136735/collplant-collagen-based-bioink/