Large-scale Molecular Farming of Recombinant Human Collagen in Transgenic Tobacco

Collagen and gelatin in medicine, drug delivery, and cosmetics Through provision of unmatched structural integrity together with cell and substrate anchorage ports, collagen fibers of the extracellular matrix represent macromolecules critical to embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and continual physical support of vertebrates and other multicellular organisms1. Type I collagen, the prototype of fibrillar collagens, is the most ubiquitous collagen species in bone and tendon, and is found in significant quantities in skin, aorta, and lung, where variations in fiber diameter, orientation, and packing density dictate the mechanical properties of each tissue. Its primary role in skin structure and support is clearly highlighted upon loss of skin elasticity and strength as a consequence of age-related collagen degradation or crosslinking. Additionally, throughout the multi-stage wound healing process, collagen and collagen-derived fragments provide indispensable support for cell aggregation and adhesion, clot formation, fibroblast recruitment, and adequate scar tissue generation. Biocompatible collagen-based wound dressings or tissue substitutes contribute local haemostatic and chemotactic stimuli, while supplying a structural support upon which neotissue can be formed at enhanced rates. In addition, the highly absorptive character of such products accommodates the high exudate volume characteristic of injured tissue, providing a dry wound bed. The gelatinous form of collagen, comprised of a mixture of irreversibly denatured collagen chains, features characteristics suitable for applications in food and beverage, pharmaceutical, photographic, cosmetic, paper manufacturing, and printing disciplines. Gelatins are used as binding, microencapsulation, and coating agents for pharmaceutical or health supplement preparations, and owing to their unique breakdown, can also be used to ensure slow release of active ingredients. In addition, their emulsifying effect can easily be manipulated by concentration and temperature. Gelatin sponges and films are marketed as water-insoluble, absorbable medical supplies tailored to control bleeding and offer scaffolding support during early tissue regeneration processes. Expanding appreciation for the advantageous potential of collagen and its byproducts in technologies designed to restore dental, orthopedic, and cosmetic impairments is evident when considering the number of applications being introduced to the market.