A Photoactivated Agent for Bonding Tissue Containing Type-I Collagen

Technology ID: 99KUMC219 

Description of Technology: The primary means of surgical wound repair for torn or severed collagenous tissue (e.g. tendon) is suturing. Sutures can act as sites of inflammation and infection, thus hindering wound healing. Recent laser-based photothermal methods for surgical wound repair are intended to avoid suture-related problems, but can result in thermal tissue damage that delays the healing process. 

The present invention is a preliminary step in designing and synthesizing photoactivated compounds that could potentially be used as an alternative to sutures or staples in surgical wound closure of collagenous tissues. The agent has been shown to bond ex vivo tendon and corneal samples as well as solid gelatin strips with UV exposures and may be ideal for bonding tissues high in type I collagen. Bond tensile strengths for the corneal and tendon samples are low compared to sutures. 

Field of Applications: 
The design and synthesis of a new light-activated cross-linking agent for Type-I collagen has been developed as a step in the long-term goal of surgically bonding collagenous tissues. 

Advantages:

• A light-activated collagen bonding agent replacing suture in wound closure
• Faster wound healing time
• Areas of the wound are firmly held together thus avoiding weakened corneal   structure and possible future would failure

Key Words: Photoactivation, cross-linking, type-I collagen, wound repair

Stage of Development: Extending and testing compounds

Patent Status: US Patent No. 6,783539

Availability: Available for exclusive and non-exclusive license. For more information, please contact
the Technology Transfer Office at 913-588-5721.