Researchers Patent Marine Collagen‑Based Technology for Wound Healing

The team at the Industrial Biotechnology Research Centre has patented an innovative product: marine collagen‑based bioink. The 3D bioprinting technology is designed to engineer tissue for treating burns and wounds.

The primary ingredient is collagen extracted from the Aurelia aurita jellyfish. Together with sodium alginate — a safe, biocompatible substance — it forms a soft gel that closely resembles living cells.

Yulia Kulikova, Senior Researcher at the Industrial Biotechnology Research Centre:
Using the ink, a 3D bioprinter can fabricate structures that mimic real skin. Marine collagen promotes healing and, unlike animal‑derived collagen, does not provoke significant allergic reactions. According to research, it increases the growth and division rate of human skin cells by approximately 40–50%, which may accelerate patient rehabilitation and reduce the risk of secondary infections.

The newly developed method for producing bioink is reproducible and stable. The resulting hydrogel demonstrates the structural and functional characteristics necessary for the reconstruction of replaced tissues.

Using their findnings, scientists plan to develop medical devices in various forms — such as sponges or sprays. One potential application is the production of a dental membrane for bone tissue regeneration.