The hydrolysed collagen has a molecular weight of 3–6 KDa, is soluble in water, colourless and odourless. Hydrolysed collagen was obtained by proteolysis of the native ovine collagen. The enzymatic treatment was carried out with Heliozym under alkaline treatment (pH 8) for different periods of time (0 min, 10 min, 20 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2h, 3h y 4h) at 60°C. The hydroxyproline concentration increased significantly from time 0 min (11.44±2.81 mg/L) to the 4 h (24.47±1.60 mg/L); this change in concentration was observed in the FTIR spectra at a length of 1,037 cm-1 for OH group as well a change in the Amide I (1641 cm-1). The viscosity showed significant differences (P≤ 0.05) between the different hydrolysis times. This parameter was correlated with the molecular weight; when the viscosity was 0 cP the molecular weight showed the lowest value at 5.62 KDa. The antioxidant activity for ABTS radical scavenging showed significant differences (P≤ 0.05) between the times of hydrolysis, the greater the time, the higher the inhibition resulting with 67.61% at the end of the treatment. The DPPH radical scavenging resulted with 27.89 % at the beginning of the hydrolysis. However, the end of the hydrolysis (4h) showed inhibition at 52.75%. The antioxidant activity increased when molecular weight decreased, and this is related with the amino acids present in the peptides obtained for the hydrolysis of the collagen.
With translational purposes, since January 2004 we have developed a novel foetal procedure in a sheep model that avoids foetal tissue manipulation. The technique consists in a gentle coverage of the defect using an inert patch sheet secured by a surgical sealant. results in the animal model showed adequate protection of the spinal cord and prevention of the Chiari malformation. Later on, this technique has been used in two human foetuses.
Foetal repair was done in August 2008 by means of closure of the dural sac and coverage with a patch of collagen-elastin matrix) secured with surgical sealant. Birth delivery happened at 31 weeks due to uterine rupture in the scar from a previous c-section. At birth, the newborn weighted 1.5Kg, and showed a complete closure of the defect without leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, and normal legs mobility. Cranial MRI showed small cerebelar herniation and small ventricular dilatation. One year after birth the baby is able to walk, but the ventricular dilatation has progressed and a shunt was placed on at 11 months of life.
Foetal repair was made in January 2009 by means of closure of the dural sac and coverage with a patch secured with surgical sealant. Birth delivery was done at 30 weeks due to oligoamnios. At birth the newborn weighted 1Kg, and showed closure of the defect without leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, and normal legs mobility. Cranial MRI showed correction of the Chiari malformation and no ventricular dilatation. Eight months after birth the baby is fine and stable.
