The material can be spun into fibers and woven into fabrics using techniques borrowed from the textile industry, or it can be formed into foams, sheets and films. During the ATP project, TE successfully developed techniques and procedures for extracting and storing a mixture of collagens and for preserving the desired characteristics of the extracellular matrix. The company developed new materials for hosting the matrix and a process for adding the matrix to collagen fibers in the course of spinning. The demand for products the company plans to offer clearly exists. The company is making good progress in navigating these barriers in accord with its technical and business plans.
Commercialization is in progress.
TE has placed periodontal prosthesis prototypes with potential customers for testing. It has created other products for research, testing and diagnostic applications. These activities are not regulated, so commercialization can happen more speedily. In addition, it has formed a venture with Wright Medical Technology for commercialization of orthopedic applications. TE is also in discussions with several other companies to commercialize other applications, such as a line of skin and wound-healing products.