TEI Biologic Matrix

TEI derives its products from fetal bovine dermis, one of the purest forms of collagen, using a proprietary process that preserves the beneficial properties of the natural collagen matrix. Biocompatible (the body does not reject it as a foreign body), cell-friendly, and intrinsically strong with no artificial chemical crosslinking, our biologic matrix promotes rapid cell penetration and revascularization. It acts as a scaffold that can be naturally and progressively integrated, remodeled, and eventually replaced by functional host tissue. Click here to see a diagram explaining our proprietary process, or here for product features & benefits – the reason more and more surgeons are choosing TEI products over the competitions'.

Composed of Active, Native Collagens

TEI chose bovine fetal tissue source material in part because of its unique biochemistry, and in an effort to mimic the body's natural tissue development and healing processes. Click here to see an electron microscope image of TEI's biologic matrix. Fetal dermis naturally contains the protein building blocks specific for tissue development and maturation. Like adult tissue, fetal dermis is primarily composed of large, well-structured fibers of Type I collagen that offer the tissue significant tensile strength. However, biochemical studies have shown that Type III collagen is up to five times more concentrated in fetal dermis than in adult skin. Other commercially available biologic meshes are predominantly sourced from adult tissues.

Promoting Tissue Development and Regeneration

It is important to note the distinction between remodeling and resorption. TEI products do not dissolve via hydrolysis like some other copolymer meshes designed to provide temporary support during wound healing. Instead, it is populated and acted upon by host cells (fibroblasts and macrophages) which, over time, progressively break down the implant collagen and replace it with new host collagen. This is an ongoing cellular process that naturally occurs throughout the body, allowing for repair of damaged tissues. Type III collagen is a key building block for tissue development. The abundance of Type III collagen in granulation and scar tissues indicates its importance in wound healing as well. Dermal wounds in the early stages of healing resemble fetal skin in that Type III collagen is present in high proportions compared to Type I. The comparatively high Type III collagen content of fetal bovine skin may be beneficial in terms of its ability to heal soft tissue defects. The biochemical make up of fetal collagen is specific for development and maturation, effectively acting as a signal to the body to integrate and remodel the TEI implant. Click here to see a chart showing the percentages of Type III collagen found in mammalian dermis.

TEI biologic matrix   Proprietary process   Features & benefits