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Summary

An Italian University developed a new biocompatible and bioactive ionic hydrogel produced for human epithelial cells growth.
The team has developed two in-vitro models: the first concerns a stratified human keratinocyte epitelium; the second refers to intestinal epithelium. Other models of normal and pathologic epitelia are under development. The University seeks industrial partners interested in Commercial Agreement, Joint Venture or Manufacturing Agreement for absolutely novel process.

Full description

The technology concerns a new and innovative product in-vitro validated and patented that uses an anionic hydrogel functionalized with a keratinocyte growth factor ( allowing the growth and stratification of human keratinocytes. The new product is nowadays produced in laboratory scale for in-vitro growth of various kinds of epithelial cells.
The present innovation concerns a gelatin-based hydrogel loaded with a specific epithelial growth factor to enhance and/or to speed the formation of a functional epithelium for use in the treatment of e.g. burns or chronic wounds.
Epidermal regeneration is a complex process in which residual epithelial cells proliferate and migrate in an integrated fashion to regenerate intact epidermis.
The hydrogel used as scaffold allowed cells adhesion and growth and that the epithelial growth factor presence significantly increased keratinocyte growth and stratification after one week.
This specific epithelial growth factor stimulates human keratinocyte proliferation under both subconfluent and confluent culture conditions.

Innovative Aspects

EPIGEL composition is suitable for human keratinocytes growth, wherein keratinocytes are able to adhere, proliferate and stratify with exclusive mechanical features. All these features make EPIGEL suitable for skin tissue engineering applications with a set of advantages currently not available on the market.
In fact, any natural biopolymers, such as glycosaminoglycans, collagen, fibronectin and hyaluronan, are currently used as potential scaffolds for keratinocyte adhesion and proliferation, but the lack of blood vessels, their reduced mechanical capabilities and the absence of differentiated structures prejudice their use as human skin substitutes.

Partner expertise sought:

- Type of partner sought: enterprises

- Specific area of activity of the partner: health, tissue engineering, red biotech, new materials

- Task to be performed: Product development through pre-clinical and clinical trials; market penetration