L&C Bio Expands ECM Platform as Tendon Tech Enters Top Journal

[Kim Jinsoo, Edaily Reporter] L&C Bio announced on the 7th that its foundational research on injectable tissue reconstruction using human tendon-derived extracellular matrix, or ECM, was published in the SCI-level international journal Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (impact factor 5.8).



The journal is a leading international publication in biomaterials, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and bioprocessing. It is recognized for its academic influence, covering a wide range of research from basic studies to clinical translational research.

Unlike the chemical solubilization method conventionally used in manufacturing human tendon ECM, the recent research features an isopropanol-based defatting process and a mild decellularization process. Through these methods, cells and lipids were effectively removed while maximally preserving the unique collagen-based structure and inherent microstructure of the human tendon ECM. Additionally, by applying fine grinding and hydration processes, the research team succeeded in creating an injectable ECM scaffold formulation suitable for minimally invasive application.

Excellent potential for tissue reconstruction was also confirmed in animal experiments. In a rat Achilles tendon injury model, the injectable human tendon ECM demonstrated structural restoration of the damaged Achilles tendon and improved tissue alignment compared to xenogeneic collagen and human acellular dermal matrix control groups. Excellent results were obtained in imaging and histological evaluations, while MRI analysis, gait function evaluation and biomechanical tests further confirmed improvements in structural restoration and mechanical properties of the damaged tendon.

The paper's publication academically proves that human tendon ECM can be implemented as an injectable tissue reconstruction material while maintaining its structural and biological characteristics. The findings are particularly significant as they present the potential of human-derived, ECM-based platform technology to expand beyond treating tendon and ligament injuries into various soft tissue reconstruction fields, such as muscles and fascia.

The platform technology verified through this research is already being utilized as a core underlying technology for developing various human tissue-derived injectable ECM scaffold platforms, including the successfully commercialized dermal ECM-based skin booster Re2O. Based on these advancements, L&C Bio plans to expand the development of ECM technologies derived from various human tissues — including tendon, adipose, dermis, cartilage, nerve and blood vessel — to push forward in becoming a global ECM platform company.

"This paper is an achievement that academically proves the potential of next-generation injectable ECM platform technology utilizing human-derived tendon ECM," said L&C Bio Vice Chairman Lee Ju-hee. "While existing human tissue-based products such as MegaDerm, MegaCarti and MegaNerve focused on reconstructing tissue defects, next-generation injectable ECM platforms, including Re2O, represent a new approach that provides human tissue-derived ECM scaffolds in a minimally invasive manner."

With the publication of this paper, L&C Bio's total number of papers published in SCI-level international journals has increased to 87. This milestone is evaluated as a demonstration of the research and development capabilities and technological prowess the company has accumulated in the field of human tissue ECM.