South Korea has created a glue for healing wounds without scars

The basis for the glue was a substance with which mussels are attached to rocks

Natalia Pelezneva, Naked Science

In case of skin damage, even such minor ones as cuts and scratches, connective tissue forms scars. They consist mainly of collagen, a fibrillar protein that provides strength and elasticity of healthy skin. In scar tissue, the structure of collagen fibers differs from the "pattern" of intact skin fibers, so the scar tissue is less functional. It cannot fully stretch, and is also more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, so the risk of burns increases.

Scientists are working on wound healing technologies that will help avoid scarring. Usually, adhesives are used for this purpose, forming a film on the surface of the wound. Another technology is the use of the protein decorin, which is part of the connective tissue. Decorin helps to "arrange" the collagen fibers. The disadvantage of the decor is a complex structure and a relatively high cost.

Researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea have developed a new type of glue for wound healing, using the ability of a number of proteins to bind collagen – these proteins include decorin. (Article by Jeon et al. Natural healing-inspired collagen-targeting surgical protein glue for accelerated scarless skin regeneration is published in the journal Biomaterials).

Scientists have studied the byssus, the strong protein filaments with which mussels and other bivalves attach to rocks, forming colonies. Based on the protein of these filaments, a new material containing dermatan sulfate was created. This substance belongs to glycosaminoglycans (polysaccharides associated with complex proteins by proteoglycans). Expensive decorin is a proteoglycan, and dermatan sulfate is associated with it in the body, which is also able to stabilize collagen fibers. The new composition promotes the restoration of the fiber structure, similar to the structure of collagen in healthy skin.

The glue has already been tested on animals. Scientists managed to achieve almost complete healing of deep wounds in rats in 28 days. The animals from the control group had noticeable scars.

At the top – wound healing without glue, at the bottom – using glue. 
Photo from an article in Biomaterials.

In order for the glue to be used in medical practice, the composition must pass a long series of tests. The skin of rats differs significantly from human skin, so it is not known whether this method of wound healing is suitable for people. In the following experiments, scientists are going to use pigs: the skin of these animals is more similar in structure to human skin.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru  16.05.2017