InnovateUK award for partnership with Collagen Solutions plc

The Electrospinning Company Ltd (‘Electrospinning’) announces a grant award from InnovateUK, the Government agency formerly named the Technology Strategy Board, under the Technology Inspired Feasibility Competition to develop a novel bio-synthetic substance for use in internal wound healing in partnership with Collagen Solutions plc (AIM: COS), the developer and manufacturer of medical grade collagen components for use in regenerative medicine, medical devices and in-vitro diagnostics,

Electrospinning create a mesh, or scaffold that resembles a natural extracellular matrix and can guide a patient’s cells to heal with a reduced risk of scarring, while purified soluble collagen is suitable for use in a variety of applications, including tissue engineering as a framework for cells and wound healing dressings.

Under the terms of the grant, COS and Electrospinning will combine their expertise in synthetic and biological materials to develop the material that combines the advantages of synthetic polymers such as flexibility, strength and consistency, with the bio-performance advantages of collagen, such as providing cell recognition sites for cell adhesion, proliferation and ultimately improved tissue regeneration at wound sites.

Stewart White, CEO of Collagen Solutions plc said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by The Electrospinning Company for this project. The global market for surgical meshes, for example for hernia repair, is over $1 billion (Frost & Sullivan) growing at over 6% CAGR (Transparency market research 2013), driven by increasing obesity and aging populations. Yet despite being a well-established market there remain unmet needs and attractive opportunities for advanced mesh materials which promote rapid endogenous healing and reduce the risk of rejection and infection.”