At just 10 years old, Joseph Connell experienced a devastating accident, resulting in severe burns covering 30% of his body. The injury was so severe that doctors believed he would never walk again. Connell underwent numerous skin grafts, enduring painful treatments to prevent infections and promote healing. The scars left behind from his childhood trauma were a constant reminder of his past.
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Despite the challenges he faced, Connell persevered and went on to become a successful high school wrestler. With a career in pharmaceutical and biotechnology sales, marketing, and executive management, he seemed to have overcome his tragic past. However, the memories of his childhood experiences drove him to make a life-altering decision 14 years ago.
Connell chose to leave behind a promising career to join a group of bioengineers at Temple University. Together, they worked tirelessly to develop a revolutionary plant-based skin substitute and treatment for wounds. This groundbreaking innovation has the potential to revolutionize wound care as we know it.
While other skin substitutes on the market are derived from human or animal sources, Temple’s bioengineers utilized electrospinning technology to create a nanofibrous wound dressing from soy protein. This innovative treatment can aid in the healing of burns, bed sores, diabetic foot ulcers, and other chronic wounds by promoting healthy skin regeneration.
The FDA is currently in the process of approving this plant-based substitute skin, which promises to be a game-changer in the field of wound care. Once approved, human trials will commence at Temple University, focusing on diabetic foot ulcers, a common complication affecting many individuals.
The inspiration behind this groundbreaking treatment originated from an unexpected source. A visit to China led Peter Lelkes, chair of Temple’s bioengineering department, to discover the skin-like properties of Yuba, made from soybeans. This discovery sparked the idea that eventually led to the development of the soy-based wound treatment we see today.
“Our journey to create this unique skin substitute had its challenges, but we remained determined,” Lelkes shared. “The soy proteins in our treatment act as a scaffold for new tissue growth, enabling a more natural healing process.”
The innovative soy-protein treatment offers a versatile solution for wound care, with options for patch applications or liquid dispensing. The treatment can be enhanced with antimicrobials, antifungals, and even stem cells in ongoing research efforts.
Despite facing financial hurdles, including initial funding from the United Soybean Board, Connell and his team remain steadfast in their mission to bring this life-changing technology to those in need. “This isn’t just a job; it’s a mission,” Connell emphasized, highlighting the team’s unwavering dedication to transforming wound care.