22 Sep 2015 07:00
22 September 2015
Collagen Solutions Plc
Awarded Medical Research Scotland Ph.D. Studentship
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, announces that it has been awarded a Medical Research Scotland Ph.D. studentship in partnership with the University of Strathclyde.
The project titled "Improving control over the mechanical and transport properties of collagen-based scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine" will be delivered by the University of Strathclyde and Collagen Solutions plc and is one of only 13 four-year PhD Studentships funded by Medical Research Scotland this year. (http://www.medicalresearchscotland.org.uk)
Collagen, the most widely used matrix for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, undergoes a constant process of remodelling in the body, and the balance of its degradation by the cells of the body with new collagen synthesis determines its strength and integrity over time. Thus, there is a clear need for safe and effective methods to control the rate implanted collagen is degraded.
Using a cell culture model researchers at the University of Strathclyde have discovered that, by treating collagen with existing clinically-approved drugs, they are able to slow down the rate at which collagen scaffolds are degraded. This project will provide further insight into the potential for a wider range of drugs of this class to manipulate collagen degradation profiles. Methods for characterising the mechanical properties of collagen-based scaffolds will also be improved. Working with staff from Collagen Solutions, the data will ultimately be used to design novel collagen-based products for the medical devices market and regenerative medicine markets.
Dr Stewart White, Chief Executive Officer of Collagen Solutions plc said: "This studentship is further recognition of the expertise that Collagen Solutions has in the development and manufacture of a wide range of medical grade collagen based products for use in novel regenerative medicine products. The rapid application of new methods for the design and preservation of novel collagen scaffolds will generate applications for collagen materials where our know-how can be applied to and commercialised with significant benefits for patients."
Enquiries:
Collagen Solutions Plc |
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David Evans, Chairman | Tel: 07740 084 452 |
Stewart White, CEO | Tel: 0141 648 9100 |
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Panmure Gordon & Co (Nomad and Broker) Robert Naylor (Corporate Finance) Maisie Atkinson (Corporate Broking) |
Tel: 020 7886 2714Tel: 020 7886 2905 |
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Walbrook PR Ltd | Tel: 020 7933 8780 or collagen@walbrookpr.com |
Mike Wort | Mob: 07900 608 002 |
Anna Dunphy | Mob: 07876 741 001 |
Note to Editors:
Background to Research Project:
Biomedical materials and artificial tissues are being developed to repair, replace and enhance natural tissues; these must maintain sufficient strength and stability following implantation. Collagen, the widely used matrix for tissue engineering, is constantly being re-modelled in the body, and the balance of its degradation by the cells of the body and new collagen synthesis determines its strength and integrity over time. There is a clear need for safe and effective methods to control the rate at which implanted collagen is degraded.
Using a cell culture model, researchers at the University of Strathclyde have discovered a safe method to slow down the rate at which collagen scaffolds degrade. Collagen hydrogels seeded with cells and treated with existing clinically approved drugs demonstrated increased stiffness compared with untreated cell seeded hydrogels over time in culture.
The work will entail cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, SEM, mechanical testing and mathematical modelling of the physical properties of hydrogels (BOSE mechanical testing devices), pharmaceutical analysis of both drugs and peptides. The facilities and research environment in the host department were judged best in Scotland, and 4th in the UK, in the recent REF analysis, and the student will join a department with a vibrant atmosphere - host to a community of approximately 120 postgraduate research students.
This project will enable us to gain insight into the potential for further drugs of this class to inhibit collagen degradation, determine the mechanism(s) of action, and investigate the retention of the drugs in the collagen matrix. During the course of the work the methods for measuring mechanical properties of hydrogels will be improved. Working with Collagen Solutions plc, the data will ultimately be used to design novel collagen-based products for the medical devices market.