A spray-on extracellular matrix to help wounds heal without scarring has been developed by Electrosols, a biotechnology company in Haslemere, Surrey. Professor R. Coffee (researcher, Electrosols) says that the spray promotes natural wound repair and growth, as well as keeping out infection, allowing the skin to grow normally instead of scarring. He told The Journal on January 10 that the spray worked by producing a fine web of biodegradable polymer fibres which were electrically charged and, on contact with the skin, formed a matrix. The result was a mesh of fine fibres, which encouraged fibroblasts (collagen-making cells) to grow in a woven pattern. As the number of fibroblasts growing on the polymer web increased, a regular collagen structure was produced. Toxicology studies had been carried out on the product, which had yet to be tested on humans.
A hand-held spray had been developed, which could be used by cosmetic surgeons, accident and emergency departments, paramedics and the military, he said. Professor Coffee is hoping to get a pharmaceutical company interested in the product.