JSS Academy receives yet another patent for a scaffold for the treatment of diabetic wounds
Research & Innovation
Dr Satyanarayana Reddy,
Principal Investigator of the Project
Prof Dr Ashish Wadhwani,
Co-Investigator of the Project
A research team from JSS Mauritius and India has unveiled a groundbreaking discovery that holds the potential to revolutionize the treatment of diabetic wounds. Their innovative creation, a tissue-engineered acellular scaffold composed of chitosan, collagen, and L-glutamic acid (LGA), is poised to significantly enhance healing rates and outcomes for the millions of individuals grappling with diabetes. The patent for this breakthrough, titled ‘Tissue Engineered Acellular Scaffold for Diabetic Wound Healing’, was officially granted on December 27, 2023 (Patent no. 490279, Patent Office Government of India).
Challenges of Diabetic Wounds
Diabetic wounds, affecting up to 25% of patients at some point in their lives, pose a significant complication of diabetes. Characterized by slow healing and susceptibility to infection due to impaired blood flow and reduced immune function, traditional treatments often fall short, resulting in amputations and a substantial decline in quality of life.
A Novel Approach
The pioneering minds behind this breakthrough — Dr Satyanarayana Reddy, Dr Bharatkumar Reddy, Ms Rishita Tyagi, Dr K Gowthamarajan, Dr TK Praveen, and Dr Ashish Wadhwani — have developed a unique scaffold that mimics the natural extracellular matrix of the skin. This scaffold provides a supportive structure for new tissue growth and releases LGA, a naturally occurring amino acid that stimulates cell proliferation and wound healing.
The patent introduces a distinctive approach utilizing L-Glutamic acid (LGA)-loaded Chitosan-Collagen scaffolds for diabetic wound care through topical delivery. This innovative formulation combines Chitosan’s structural similarity to glycosaminoglycan in wound healing with Collagen’s role in tissue regeneration. By employing a freeze-drying method, the team produces porous scaffolds with interlinked pores, resembling a sponge-like structure. In-depth studies have demonstrated high water absorption and controlled drug release, ensuring safety through cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility assessments. The ingenious use of these scaffolds paves the way for an advanced topical wound treatment, leveraging established safe components to accelerate healing.
Schematic representation of Scaffold Preparation
Scanning Electron Microscope Images of Scaffold
Key Features of the Invention
Biocompatible: Crafted from natural materials, the scaffold is well-tolerated by the body, reducing the risk of rejection.
Porous Structure: Interlinked pores facilitate proper diffusion of oxygen and nutrients, crucial for tissue regeneration.
Controlled Drug Release: LGA is gradually released from the scaffold over time, providing sustained wound healing effects.
Promotes Cell Growth: The scaffold and LGA combination encourage the growth of new skin cells, accelerating the healing process.
Promising Results
Dr Satyanarayana Reddy, the Principal Investigator of the Project and Research Coordinator at JSSCPO, reports that the studies have demonstrated the new scaffold’s effectiveness in both in vitro and in vivo models. The scaffold has shown increased cell proliferation, improved wound closure, and reduced inflammation compared to traditional treatments.
The patent reveals significant outcomes in developing LGA-loaded Chitosan-Collagen scaffolds for diabetic wound therapy. Analysis demonstrated scaffold biodegradation, controlled drug release, and superior water absorption in non-cross-linked versions. Extensive safety evaluations confirmed the formulation’s cytocompatibility and blood compatibility, securing its viability. Notably, cell proliferation assays indicated the enhanced potential of LGA-loaded scaffolds in fostering wound healing compared to conventional approaches. These promising findings signify a significant leap in wound care, offering a safe, efficient, and targeted solution for diabetic wound treatment via topical application.
The Road Ahead
Prof Wadhwani emphasized that the patented LGA-loaded Chitosan-Collagen scaffolds serve as a pivotal foundation for advanced wound care solutions. Future directions include refining scaffold properties for optimal biodegradation rates and controlled drug release, ensuring sustained therapeutic efficacy. Collaborations with healthcare providers and industry partners will drive innovation, aiming to revolutionize diabetic wound management and offer a transformative approach towards faster, more effective healing. With the recent patent granted, the team is in discussions with partnering industries to bring this life-changing technology to the market.
Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 12 January 2024
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