Cosmetic Fillers Could Be Made from Tobacco Plants

Collagen is undoubtedly one of the most important proteins in the human body. It plays a critical role in bones, skin, cartilages, tendons and other tissue, giving them lift and vitality. With old age, the action of this molecule falters, and this is one of the primary reasons why wrinkles and saggy tissue develop. In the cosmetic and medical industries, the lack of action from human collagen is supplemented with proteins derived from other sources, such as animals. In a recent study, however, it has been shown that tobacco plants can be used to produce a form of collagen that is better than any other.

The discovery was made by a team of specialists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who were led by researcher Oded Shoseyov. The group here managed to successfully genetically modify tobacco plants so that they produce the new form of collagen. The advantages of using the new product are twofold, the group says. Because no animals are involved in its production process, the type of collagen possible from tobacco is both more efficient at its job, and also a lot safer than existing products, LiveScience reports.

The group originally marketed the stuff for medical applications, promoting for examples uses in heart and bone surgery. But the product also has potential for the cosmetic industry, which is powered by people that want to look younger. These individuals get numerous collagen fillers, and the quality of their implants could be significantly boosted through the use of the new type of protein. Details of how the stuff works appear in the latest issue of the esteemed scientific journal Biomacromolecules.

“This is a very unique collagen. It is very very similar to human collagen and, as it has not come in contact with any animals, it is much better and much safer than other collagens,” explains Noa Lapido. He is the assistant vice president of a company that utilizes Shoseyov's patent on the new chemical. The company is called CollPlant. The principal health advantage of the new type of protein is that it avoids contamination with prions and viruses. Given that the current sources for collagen are cadavers, pigs and cows, it stands to reason that everyone will want implants made from chemicals that are cleaner.