Grant to help skin replacement technology

26/03/01
A Perth company developing a kit to make medical skin replacements more effective has received a State Government grant .
Clinical Cell Culture has received a $50,000 grant from the Department of Commerce and Trade to develop its ReCelT epithelial cell harvest kit, which the company said was a world first in the field of skin replacement.
The Western Australian Innovation Support Scheme (WAISS) grant was announced by State Development Minister Clive Brown, who said the grants reflected the tremendous scope of research and development being undertaken by Western Australian firms.
Mr Brown said the scheme encouraged companies to undertake research and development leading to internationally competitive commercial products or processes. It was a competitive scheme which provided project grants to help offset the risks involved.
"Like all the projects in the latest round of funding, the skin replacement kit has the potential to tap into overseas markets," the Minister said.
According to Clinical Cell Culture director, Nick Hill, there have already been expressions of interest from Europe.
Mr Hill said the ReCel kit would enable specialists to take a sample of the skin from near the area to be replaced.
"When the skin cells have been treated and the area to be replaced has been prepared, the replacement skin cells will be sprayed on," he said.
"As it has been taken from a nearby area with the same pigmentation, it should blend in well with the surrounding skin, making it less noticeable.
"The process can be done, in appropriate cases, in the specialist's surgery, and will not necessitate a stay in hospital."
Mr Hill said the company hoped to have the ReCel rapid epithelial cell harvest kit ready within a few months. The kit could be used in many cases of burns, cosmetic surgery and dermatology.
The grant to Clinical Cell Culture was one of 10 awarded by the Department of Commerce and Trade to help WA businesses develop new technologies.
The other grants were awarded to a wide range of projects, from a self-cleaning dental mirror to software to prevent computer piracy.
Media contacts:
Minister's office - Bev East 9222 9699
Commerce and Trade - Bob Charteris 9327 5933
Clinical Cell Culture - Nick Hill 9322 3344