Developing a Universal Bioink: CollPlant Joins ReMDO Biomanufacturing Initiative

3D printing is widely used today for a variety of new applications—from recyclable cars to robots that work with 3D printers to make auto repairs. We may see homes and office buildings one day be constructed in a fraction of the time we are used to, thanks to such technology. Young fashion designers can incorporate new techniques and materials into their work, and major companies like adidas launch footwear such as partially 3D printed futuristic running shoes.

And while it is tempting to go on about the countless (and many spectacular) prototypes and parts being fabricated literally as you are reading, let’s take more time to explore further strides in the medical realm and bioprinting, as researchers and progressive companies bioprint tissue and continue to expand regenerative medicine; in fact, innovative enterprises are putting their powerful resources together in a collaboration meant to yield a universal bioink.

CollPlant recently announced their involvement in the ReMDO advanced biomanufacturing initiative. The Israel-headquartered company is behind the manufacturing of bioinks and other biomaterials, with a strong focus on rhCollagen (recombinant human collagen) created via their proprietary plant-based genetic engineering technology. Most of their research and development, and products, are targeted at orthobiologics and advanced wound care markets—including device-based wound care, moist wound care products, and biologics.

“One project is developing a universal bioink with tunable mechanical properties for additive manufacturing (3D bioprinting) of implantable regenerative medicine clinical products,” ReMDO explains of the work in which CollPlant will be participating.

The bioink program led by the RegenMed Development Organization (ReMDO) includes 18 R&D organizations, along with experts in the following fields:

• 3D bioprinting
• Printing technologies
• Bio materials
• Application research

“Wake Forest is excited to be part of this advanced biomanufacturing initiative. As one of the lead technical teams on the bioink program, we benefit from working with so many industry partners and are delighted that CollPlant is now part of this bioink program,” said Dr. Alekander Skardal, Assistant Professor, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

ReMDO’s goal in leading the initiative is to forge ahead in creating new technologies and materials for regenerative medicine therapy. Operating as a non-profit organization, they work with industry leaders, researchers, and a variety of different organizations. They work to ‘de-risk’ technology and make innovation available as fast as possible in regenerative medicine, whether in the practices of medical professionals or the global market overall.

“We are honored to join the ReMDO advanced biomanufacturing initiative and to add our expertise to such a forward-thinking and important project — the development of a universal BioInk based on our proprietary rhCollagen — which offers significant and proven advantages over competing tissue-extracted collagens,” said Yehiel Tal, CEO of CollPlant. “We believe the ability to work with ReMDO represents a validation of CollPlant’s technology, and will help to position our rhCollagen as the ‘gold standard’ platform technology for collagen-based products in a broad range of markets.”

If you are interested in finding out more about CollPlant’s vision for regenerative medicine, check out their website here, as well as reading more about ReMDO and their advancing technologies here.

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