Elastin-based biomaterials for skin regeneration

Skin injuries from burns, accidents or surgeries often heal with scars that lack flexibility due to the loss of elastic fibers. This thesis focused on developing new wound materials that help the skin regenerate better and with fewer scars. Several promising compounds were identified that boost the body’s ability to produce elastin which is the key protein responsible for skin elasticity. New collagen-elastin materials were designed that improved wound healing in lab models and showed better skin regeneration, reduced scarring, and improved blood vessel formation. Some of these materials were also optimized for large-scale production, bringing them closer to real-world medical use. Additionally, several bioactive molecules were found to stimulate the skin’s natural repair mechanisms, opening new directions for future treatments. This work supports the development of affordable and effective skin repair technologies, offering hope for millions of patients with severe wounds, burns, or surgical scars.