E!113241, KERALAM, BioLamina: Development of a xeno-free cell culture system to treat burn wounds

Important results from the project

The main goal of this project was to make an off-the-shelf biolaminin and biolaminin-functionalized cell culture substrate for keratinocytes to develop next generation burn wounds dressing. We have successfully managed to commercialise biolaminin for skin application, been able to both alone and with partners, validate the culture of keratinocytes with skin-relevant biolaminin, set up a strong network of partners both at hospitals, universities and in the industry that are currently evaluating the effect and usability of the biolaminin in their skin culture processes.

Expected long term effects

The expected main results of this project were: 1) Commercially available biolaminin as compliant skin matrix. Achieved. 2) A method to scale up production of biolaminin to reduce cost of production. Achieved. 3) At least one biocompatible functionalized material found. Achieved. 4) Method to culture human skin cells on biolaminin-functionalized material. Achieved. 5) Development of freeze-dried biolaminin-functionalized material. Abandoned. 6) Business plan describing biolaminin for wound treatment, from pre-clinical validation to clinical trial. Achieved.

Approach and implementation

The project were divided into sub-activities with individual goals: i) develop of biolaminin for skin, ii) evaluate materials to be functionalized with biolaminin for treating skin wounds, iii) culture of keratinocytes on top of biolaminin, iv) set up a solid network of biolaminin skin product beta testers, v) commercialize biolaminin for skin, and vi) plan the commercialization of biolaminin-functionalized material for skin wound treatment. The project had 4 work packages, of which 1 and 4 were BioLamina´s responsibility. Corona pandemic affected the other partner severely.