Cultivated fibroblast platform for bioactive ECM, collagen & matrikines

We have developed a scalable cell culture platform for producing fibroblast-derived extracellular matrix (ECM), collagen, and potentially bioactive ECM-derived peptides (matrikines) for beauty, personal care, and regenerative applications.

What it is: Our platform uses an immortalized porcine fibroblast cell line capable of producing collagen-rich ECM in culture. The cells have been adapted to serum-free conditions, enabling ECM production without fetal bovine serum and providing a controlled, reproducible alternative to materials extracted directly from animal tissues.

Why it matters: The dermal ECM is much more than a structural source of collagen. Fibroblasts naturally produce a complex matrix containing collagens and other ECM proteins that regulate skin structure, repair, and cell signaling. Proteolytic fragments of these proteins (known as matrikines and matricryptins) can themselves act as signaling molecules and have become an important class of cosmetic actives. Existing commercial peptides typically reproduce individual ECM-derived sequences synthetically. Our platform creates an opportunity to access the ECM itself as a renewable source of collagen, complex bioactive ECM, and naturally derived ECM peptide fractions, as well as a discovery platform for novel matrikines.

How it works: Fibroblasts are expanded under controlled culture conditions and stimulated to deposit ECM. The resulting material can be harvested and processed as intact ECM or further fractionated/hydrolyzed to generate lower-molecular-weight peptide fractions. These fractions can be characterized by mass spectrometry and screened for effects on human dermal fibroblasts, including collagen and other matrix production. Active fractions could potentially be developed as standardized complex ingredients or used to identify individual bioactive peptides for further development.

Proof to date: We have established a robust immortalized porcine fibroblast line that has been maintained for more than 60 passages and successfully adapted to serum-free culture. The cells produce substantial extracellular matrix in culture, and we have begun characterization of the collagen and ECM produced. Our team has extensive expertise in cell biology, protein biochemistry, analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, and development of scalable animal-cell culture processes.

Partnership opportunity: We are seeking partners with expertise in skin biology, cosmetic actives, peptide discovery, formulation, and commercialization to evaluate the biological activity of our ECM and peptide fractions and identify the most promising commercial applications. Near-term work would include compositional and peptidomic characterization, human dermal fibroblast assays, identification of active fractions and/or individual matrikines, and development of a reproducible manufacturing process.

We see several potential product paths from the same platform: cultivated collagen, standardized bioactive ECM, ECM-derived peptide fractions, and discovery of novel matrikines for next-generation skin actives.