Purdue University biomedical engineering researchers discovered that a portion of porcine (pig) small intestine had remarkable remodeling properties for the reconstruction and repair of anatomical defects. Applications for this extra-cellular matrix technology can be found in wound care, soft tissue augmentation, burn management, hernia repair, urological surgery and general surgery.

The first patent for extra-cellular matrix was filed in 1988 followed by a portfolio of more than 75 issued patents and an equal number of pending patent applications.

Licenses for various applications of this technology are held by DePuy Orthopedics of Warsaw, Ind., Cook Biotech Inc. of West-Lafayette, Ind., (a Purdue Research Park company), and CorMatrix Cardiovascular of Atlanta, Ga. Medical products derived from this technology are marketed worldwide.