About beMatrix®
Unlocking the potential of purified collagen and gelatin ingredients for next-generation biomedical applicationsbeMatrix® Biomedical Solutions
Uniquely Suited to Biomedical Applications
Biocompatibility & Biodegradability
Derived from animal tissues, collagen and gelatin demonstrate excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. In addition, each of these components offers unique functionality, useful for biomedical applications including research and devices.
Materials that can be easily processed into various shapes are needed in the quickly-evolving medical field, especially for regenerative medicine. Both collagen and gelatin have exceptional formability, and have been applied to various uses including bone grafts, artificial skin, DDS carrier, etc. Recently, innovative techniques including 3D printing and electrospinning have been employed to achieve a new degree of control over the shape and formability of systems containing collagen and gelatin.
Cell Adhesion
Most cells express collagen binding proteins (e.g. Integrin) on their surface; therefore, collagen shows impressive cell attachment.
Biomimesis
Some types of cells can efficiently grow and differentiate by recognizing collagen molecules. Taking advantage of this property, collagen is being used as a superior raw material in medical devices including artificial skin and bone grafts. It has also been successfully utilized as a culture substrate for tissue formation from stem cells.
Gel Formation
Collagen solutions can readily form gels by adjusting the salt concentration to physiological conditions and incubating at 37°C. Therefore, it is possible to culture cells in or on collagen gel. Collagen gel has established itself as a valuable research tool, and has recently been applied to medical uses including transplantation and as a carrier for cell therapy.
It is known that the cell adhesiveness of gelatin is not strong. However, gelatin can strongly bond with fibronectin, which is a cell adhesion molecule existing in blood or in culture medium. Therefore, it is possible to achieve high cell adhesion in culture devices by gelatin coating.
Gelatin solution has sol-gel transition type-temperature responsivity. Thus, it can form a gel on cooling and can be liquefied upon heating. This thermoreversible reaction is the most unique function of gelatin and is used for various applications.
Gelatin can readily dissolve in water and some organic solvents. Its several amino and carboxyl groups can be easily modified with various chemical reagents.
Some types of gelatin show high viscosity, making it possible to alter the viscosity of medical drugs to achieve optimal effects gelatin incorporation.
Gelatin is a hydrophilic colloid displaying a protective colloidal property. It can be used to successfully inhibit the flocculation of hydrophobic colloids.