精东传媒

April 8, 2021

Researchers discover seaweed molecules can help heal wounds

Molecules from unique species similar in structure and function to human skin molecules

Scientists from the (ACES) and 精东传媒 of 精东传媒 (UOW), in partnership with their , have discovered that a molecular species known as ulvan aids wound healing in humans.

Their research paper is the cover story on the latest issue of .  Titled 鈥�3D bioprinting dermal-like structures using species-specific ulvan鈥�, the new findings outline how ulvan contained in green seaweed can play a key role in wound healing with its structure resembling the biomolecules found in humans.

The team behind the paper from ACES and UOW includes ACES Director Professor and researchers Associate Professor , Dr and Xifang Chen, in collaboration with Venus Shell System鈥檚 Dr Pia Winberg and stem cell biologist Professor Yan-Ru Lou from Fundan 精东传媒.

鈥淲ound healing occurs in a 3D environment involving a number of cell types and biomolecules, so the use of 3D bioprinting to create scaffolds for wound healing has attracted much attention,鈥� Professor Wallace said.

鈥淗ere we have formulated a bioink for 3D bioprinting, containing ulvan and discovered that the presence of it assists in the proliferation of cells involved in wound healing.鈥�

^{Venus Shell Systems Founder and Director Dr Pia Winberg with ACES Director Professor Gordon Wallace.}

The team鈥檚 findings also showed that ulvan regulates the function of cells in producing key biomolecules used during wound healing, a positive step forward for the research.

鈥淯lvan acts as molecular reinforcement in 3D printed scaffolds, a key feature in preventing structure contraction, and hence minimises scarring during wound healing,鈥� Professor Wallace said.

ACES researchers have been collaborating with Dr Winberg and Venus Shell Systems for a number of years now, going from strength to strength to continue to meet clinical challenges.

鈥淚t has been so exciting to begin the journey of unlocking molecules from seaweed and delivering them to new heights in partnership with researchers in biomaterials,鈥� Dr Winberg said.

鈥淧articularly when the molecules that we have found from a unique species of Australian green seaweed are uncannily similar in structure and function to the molecules that exists in human skin.

鈥淚t will be exciting when this translates into improving the health outcomes for patients with wounds.鈥�

^{The research is featured on the cover of Biomaterials Science.}

ABOUT THE RESEARCH

鈥�3D bioprinting dermal-like structures using species-specific ulvan鈥�, by Xifang Chen, Zhilian Yue, Pia C. Winberg, Yan-Ru Lou, Stephen Beirne and Gordon G. Wallace, is published in Biomaterials Science ()

The research received funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence Scheme and Venus Shell Systems Pty. Ltd (Australia) and support from the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) 鈥� Materials Node.