Development and Assessment of Collagen-Based Biomaterials for Wound Healing Applications
Date Issued
December 2025
Author(s)
Advisor
Abstract
There is an increasing need for new and effective therapies that can support skin
regeneration and improve wound healing. Regenerative medicine is increasingly focusing
on the development of bioengineered materials that interact dynamically with the wound
microenvironment to enhance the healing process. Among these emerging technologies,
collagen-based biomaterials have gained widespread attention due to their inherent
biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural similarity to the extracellular matrix.
This study, carried out in collaboration with local biotech SMEs (Promed Bioscience Ltd,
Theramir Ltd and RSL Revolutionary Labs), aims to evaluate how formulation,
composition, and structural complexity affect the physicochemical and microstructural
properties of atelocollagen materials and hydrogels, to identify the best candidates for
biomedical use for wound healing.
Atelocollagen formulations with different compositions and concentrations (A, D, X3,
Combo) were assessed through methods such as measurements of viscosity, osmolality,
swelling, dissolution, contact angle, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to analyze
fibrillar morphology. Hydrogel formulations (T40, T41, T43) based on Combo
atelocollagen were tested too. A preliminary in vivo study using the hydrogel was also
performed, helping to establish the protocol for future large-scale animal studies.
Among the atelocollagen samples, the Combo (a blend of D and X3 atelocollagens)
showed the most balanced properties, offering good hydration control and mechanical
stability, whereas the A formulation exhibited weak consistency and high dissolvability.
Hydrogel T41 exhibits better behavior in terms of swelling stability, suggesting superior
moisture retention and compatibility with physiological conditions. The results suggest
that changes in the composition of atelocollagen can make a big difference in how it holds
moisture, how strong it is, and how well it interacts with biological fluids. These features
are essential for supporting wound healing. Combo collagen and T41 hydrogel were
identified as the most promising formulations for further development. Preliminary in
vivo studies in animal models showed faster and more visible wound healing compared
to untreated cases, confirming their potential for skin regeneration applications.
regeneration and improve wound healing. Regenerative medicine is increasingly focusing
on the development of bioengineered materials that interact dynamically with the wound
microenvironment to enhance the healing process. Among these emerging technologies,
collagen-based biomaterials have gained widespread attention due to their inherent
biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural similarity to the extracellular matrix.
This study, carried out in collaboration with local biotech SMEs (Promed Bioscience Ltd,
Theramir Ltd and RSL Revolutionary Labs), aims to evaluate how formulation,
composition, and structural complexity affect the physicochemical and microstructural
properties of atelocollagen materials and hydrogels, to identify the best candidates for
biomedical use for wound healing.
Atelocollagen formulations with different compositions and concentrations (A, D, X3,
Combo) were assessed through methods such as measurements of viscosity, osmolality,
swelling, dissolution, contact angle, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to analyze
fibrillar morphology. Hydrogel formulations (T40, T41, T43) based on Combo
atelocollagen were tested too. A preliminary in vivo study using the hydrogel was also
performed, helping to establish the protocol for future large-scale animal studies.
Among the atelocollagen samples, the Combo (a blend of D and X3 atelocollagens)
showed the most balanced properties, offering good hydration control and mechanical
stability, whereas the A formulation exhibited weak consistency and high dissolvability.
Hydrogel T41 exhibits better behavior in terms of swelling stability, suggesting superior
moisture retention and compatibility with physiological conditions. The results suggest
that changes in the composition of atelocollagen can make a big difference in how it holds
moisture, how strong it is, and how well it interacts with biological fluids. These features
are essential for supporting wound healing. Combo collagen and T41 hydrogel were
identified as the most promising formulations for further development. Preliminary in
vivo studies in animal models showed faster and more visible wound healing compared
to untreated cases, confirming their potential for skin regeneration applications.
Subjects