BIOCOLL
Engineering recombinant human collagen for tissue regeneration.
BIOCOLL is developing recombinant human collagen proteins and collagen-derived peptides for tissue repair and regeneration.
The human body contains 28 types of collagen. Their molecular structures influence how tissue is organized and remodeled. BIOCOLL uses this principle to engineer defined collagen materials with specific molecular properties.
BIOCOLL combines protein engineering with precision fermentation using a fungal host, with a pathway toward scalable production.
The problem
A wound can close. The tissue may never be the same.
Healing does not always restore tissue’s original structure or function. Scarring and fibrosis can cause lasting damage.
Commercial collagen products vary in source, composition and molecular properties. For applications that depend on specific cell–matrix interactions, generic collagen materials may not provide the required properties. Meanwhile, producing recombinant collagen reliably at scale remains a major challenge.
BIOCOLL aims to bridge these gaps by engineering collagen for biological function and developing a platform for scalable production.
Our solution
Engineering recombinant human collagen for tissue regeneration.
Early fetal skin can heal with minimal scarring, offering insights into the biological mechanisms of tissue regeneration. Its extracellular matrix differs from that of adult tissue, including in collagen composition.
BIOCOLL is engineering recombinant human collagen inspired by these early-life mechanisms, aiming to support tissue organization and remodeling in adults.
Lab-scale work has demonstrated protein expression and triple-helix formation. Biological activity is being evaluated.
A tiered path to market
- Research materials: Recombinant collagen for advanced tissue models and preclinical research.
- Dermocosmetics: Skin health, longevity and post-procedure skincare.
- Advanced wound care: Applications for acute and chronic wounds.
- Regenerative medicine: Longer-term clinical applications as evidence and regulatory readiness advance.
The staged approach creates near-term revenue opportunities while progressively advancing toward applications with greater clinical and regulatory requirements, helping fund each subsequent stage.
The science-based incubator VTT LaunchPad delivers VTT’s strategy to renew industries and society by spinning off companies built on VTT’s technologies. In the incubator, we bring VTT researchers and IPR together with the best business minds and investors out there.
What BIOCOLL is looking for
- A €5M seed round to advance pilot production, demonstrate reproducible process performance and prepare for scale-up.
- BIOCOLL is seeking investors and industry partners across biomanufacturing, wound care, dermocosmetics, advanced tissue models and regenerative medicine.
Meet our team
Commercial and innovation leader with experience in business development, partnerships and venture development, including roles at Deloitte, Teva and Bioforum Group.
VTT Senior Scientist and Research Team Leader specializing in fungal host bioprocess engineering and IP development.