Innovative 3D-Printed Biodressing Enhances Treatment Across All Stages of Healing for Chronic Wounds and Severe Burns

A pioneering development in wound care technology is emerging from Brazil, where a startup at the Supera Innovation and Technology Park in Ribeirão Preto has created a 3D-printed biodressing utilizing human umbilical cord stem cells. This innovative dressing aims to transform the treatment landscape for patients suffering from chronic wounds and severe burns.

Currently, Brazil lacks registered advanced therapy products specifically approved for these conditions, but this company intends to lead the way by introducing this novel approach. The biodressing, called Mensencure, is fabricated with a hydrogel embedded with living mesenchymal stem cells. These cells release a variety of bioactive molecules—such as cytokines and growth factors—that actively participate in the healing process. These molecules are crucial for immunomodulation, promoting blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), and enhancing the quality of scar tissue.

What sets Mensencure apart is its 'smart' capability: the living cells within the dressing can sense signals from injury sites and respond dynamically by secreting the necessary bioactive substances tailored to each phase of healing. Unlike traditional dressings that mainly cover the wound or target a single healing stage, this biodressing works throughout all stages, facilitating a more effective and comprehensive recovery.

One of the key applications of this technology is in treating skin lesions in individuals with type 1 diabetes. These patients often experience impaired wound healing due to elevated blood sugar levels, which hinder tissue regeneration. The biodressing aims to support these patients by improving healing times and tissue quality. Initially, the company plans to focus on pressure injuries, popularly known as bedsores. Before clinical use, the company is working in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to seek regulatory approval from Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), which involves conducting clinical trials.

Driven by a goal to produce from their own laboratory rather than just developing for future sales, the team hopes to bring their product to market once regulatory hurdles are cleared. The company will showcase Mensencure at the upcoming VivaTech fair in Paris, where it aims to better understand the European market's regulatory landscape for advanced therapies.

This innovative 3D biodressing signifies a major step forward in regenerative medicine, especially for difficult-to-heal wounds in high-risk patients, promising a future where personalized and responsive wound care becomes standard practice.