Researchers Use Jellyfish Collagen to Treat Wounds and Burns

In cooperation with the University of Malaysia Sabah IKBFU scientists are developing a process for obtaining collagen from the Aurelia aurita and Rhopilema hispidum jellyfish, which inhabit the Baltic Sea and the seas of Malaysia. In the future, researchers plan to create medical devices based on the innovative collagen.

The scientists proved the effectiveness of the new technology by demonstrating a high rate of wound healing in laboratory rats.

Yulia Kulikova, IKBFU Industrial Biotechnologies Research Centre Senior Research Fellow:
Marine collagen that promotes healing without causing significant allergic reactions, unlike collagen derived from land animals (e.g. chicken collagen). The use of collagen products, according to research, increases the rate of growth and division of human skin cells by about 40-50%, which increases the speed of recovery and reduces the risk of secondary infections.

Scientists plan to develop medical devices in the form of sponges or sprays utilising marine collagen. One example of an application is the manufacture of a collagen-based dental membrane for improved bone regeneration.

Yulia Kulikova, IKBFU Industrial Biotechnologies Research Centre Senior Research Fellow:
We will explore the use of the resulting collagen to produce cell-filled bioinks for 3D bioprinting of organs and tissues. Another idea is to consider the production of cell scaffolds, implants and the possibility of transitioning to personalised regenerative medicine.

The findings were published in the Society for Regenerative Medicine scientific journal. The study was made possible through an initiative of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education designed to foster collaboration with South-East Asian countries.