Preclinical Comparison of an Injectable In-Situ Scaffold-Forming Oligomeric Collagen for Soft Tissue Volume...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Dermal Fillers

Background:

• Current dermal fillers face challenges including swelling, inflammation, and limited longevity.
• Restoring facial volume with injectables requires materials with favorable rheological and tissue integration properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an injectable, in-situ scaffold-forming oligomeric collagen.
• Comparison against a commercial hyaluronic acid filler and saline in a rat model.
• Assessment of rheological properties, extrusion force, volumetric persistence, and local tissue response.

Main Methods:

• Subcutaneous injection of oligomeric collagen, commercial filler, and saline in rats.
• Evaluation at 1, 6, and 12 weeks via 3D volumetric scanning and histopathology.
• Measurement of rheological, compressive, and extrusion properties; statistical analysis using ANOVA and t-tests.

Main Results:

• Oligomeric collagen showed low extrusion force (similar to saline, 15-fold lower than HA filler) and stable scaffold volumes (~25% of injected volume) from 1-12 weeks.
• Commercial filler exhibited significant swelling (~400%) at 1 week, followed by substantial volume loss (~83%).
• Histology revealed minimal inflammation and scaffold integration for oligomeric collagen, contrasting with regional inflammation and capsule formation for the commercial filler.

Conclusions:

• Injectable scaffold-forming oligomer offers a promising alternative to current dermal fillers.
• Demonstrated favorable characteristics include low extrusion force, persistent volume, and minimal local tissue response over 12 weeks.
• Suggests potential for improved patient outcomes in facial volume restoration.