Subramanian Gunasekaran

Chronic wounds associated with diabetes, venous insufficiency, pressure, and neuropathy remain challenging because persistent inflammation, impaired cellular signaling, and extracellular-matrix dysfunction can disrupt normal tissue repair. This Innovation Theatre will examine high-purity, native phosphorylated Type-I collagen as a biologically active extracellular matrix, emphasizing that not all collagen-based products function merely as wound dressings. Collagen performance depends on its purity, native fibrillar architecture, processing, and biochemical properties. Particular attention will be given to the diabetic wound microenvironment, where excess glucose and glycation can impair cellular function, matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration. The potential of native Type-I collagen to interact with and sequester excess glucose locally, thereby potentially reducing its adverse effects while providing the matrix favorable for cellular attachment, migration, and repair, will be explored. The session will also highlight phosphorylation of Type-I collagen and its potential influence on cell signaling, angiogenesis, and regenerative healing. Integrating molecular mechanisms with emerging clinical evidence, the presentation will illustrate how appropriately engineered Type-I collagen matrices may extend beyond passive wound coverage to actively support the biological processes required for healing chronic diabetic ulcers. Sponsored by Encoll Corp.