Human Placenta Collagen Methacrylation

HUMAN PLACENTA Collagen-I from THT Biomaterials GmbH is a novel biomaterial that due to his human source alleviates the downstream limitations associated with the use of animal-derived materials in research. Although the intrinsic fibrillogenesis capacity of THT HUMAN PLACENTA Collagen-I has shown to be sufficient for 2D coating applications, his polymerization ability is limited for the formation of stable 3D hydrogel structures that are indispensable for physiologically relevant cell culture strategies. In this regard, Prof. Cornelia Kasper´s research lab from the Universität für Bodenkultur Wien BOKU has the necessary expertise to support THT in adjusting the mechanical properties of HUMAN PLACENTA Collagen-I to obtain stable and functional hydrogels. Prof. Cornelia Kasper´s research lab suggests to functionalize the HUMAN PLACENTA Collagen-I with methacrylate groups, a common strategy used to modify of different proteins or sugar-based biopolymers. The presence of methacrylate-groups will enable the introduction of covalent bonds upon exposure to UV in the presence of photoinitiators, thus forming hydrogels that can be used subsequent used for different 3D applications. The newly functionalized product (HUMAN PLACENTA Collagen-I methacrylate) will expand THT portfolio allowing his straightforward the use for customers working in different 3D biological applications such as 3D cell culture (e.g. organoids culture), lab-on-a-chip, bioprinting and thus broaden the current applicability of HUMAN PLACENTA Collagen-I. Significantly, the envisioned biomaterial can also be used as ready-to-use bioink for trendy technologies such as light-based 3D bioprinting. Apart from possible publications and co-authorships abstracts, THT & Universität für Bodenkultur Wien BOKU can potentially obtained IP on HUMAN PLACENTA Collagen-I methacrylate generating value for both project partners. If for any reason the innovation check should be cancelled, BOKU reserves the right to charge for services provided in the meantime.