Biology, Engineered

ExaShape is obtained by processing the pericardium of cattle — a naturally strong, collagen-rich tissue. A gentle “multiphasic” process ensures pathogen inactivation while preserving the three-dimensional structure of the collagen and its biomechanical properties.

The result is a biological scaffold the body recognises and integrates — supporting revascularisation and host tissue regeneration, rather than a foreign body the immune system fights against.

Structure

Bi-Layer by Nature

ExaShape preserves the original bi-layer structure of the bovine pericardium for optimal tissue regeneration and healing.

Compact Layer

Protects the implant from external factors, prevents friction thanks to its smooth surface, and provides structural support.

Fibrous Layer

A highly porous structure that facilitates cell infiltration. It supports cytokines and growth factors, crucial for immediate tissue revitalization and the early formation of new blood vessels.

How It Works

Mode of Action

01

Early Inflammation

Dominated by M2 macrophages associated with tissue repair. Growth factors activate fibroblasts. Thanks to Exashape’s low biological mass, this response is minimal — reducing the risk of seroma and oedema.

02

Neoangiogenesis

New blood vessels grow inside the porous layer and progressively into the compact layer, promoting rapid fibroblast repopulation. Its permeability lets this begin earlier, reducing the risk of necrosis.

03

Collagen Formation

Fibroblasts produce patient-specific collagen, filling first the porous then the compact layer. Exashape becomes firmly integrated, turning flexible and biologically active.

04

Remodelling

Enzymatic degradation creates new spaces, progressively replaced by organised collagen and new vessels. The regenerated tissue is elastic, biologically active and significantly thicker than the original membrane.

Fat Dialysis

Brief · Active · Gentle · Continuous

Fat dialysis is a brief, active purification process that continuously and gently removes tumescent fluid, blood, oil and excess fluid from harvested fat.

EXAFAT employs a 50-micron microfiltration technology: liquid waste passes through under controlled hydrostatic pressure while the purified fat — including the SVF niche — is retained. The result is a significant reduction of toxic and inflammatory triggers while maintaining the structural integrity and biological viability of the adipose tissue.

+18%

more purified fat on average than the same input processed by decantation.

+5%

more purified fat on average than Coleman centrifugation.

20%

clean residual fluid retained (±5%) vs 33% non-purified with decantation.

Maintaining a degree of hydration helps protect adipocytes and stromal cells from mechanical damage during injection and promotes a more uniform fat distribution; excessive dehydration has been associated with increased shear stress and reduced adipocyte viability (Coleman 2007; Conde-Green 2013; Sierra-Sánchez 2020).

The Difference

Biological vs. Synthetic

Pericardium-Derived

Integrates with host tissue
Supports revascularisation
Remodels along natural healing
Low inflammatory response

Synthetic Alternatives

Remain as a foreign body
Limited vascular ingrowth
Fixed, non-remodelling structure
Higher chronic inflammation risk
Evidence

Scientific References

  1. Pusic AL et al. Patient-reported outcomes 1 year after immediate implant-based breast reconstruction. J Clin Oncol. 2013.
  2. Wainwright DJ. Use of an acellular allograft dermal matrix (AlloDerm) in the management of full-thickness burns. Burns. 1995.
  3. Breuing KH, Warren SM. Immediate bilateral breast reconstruction with implants and inferolateral AlloDerm slings. Ann Plast Surg. 2005.
  4. Jansen LA et al. Acellular dermal matrix and the risk of complications with tissue expander and implant-based breast reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg. 2011.
Browse the complete evidence base: ExaShape Evidence Library → Our Articles →
For Healthcare Professionals

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Questions

Frequently asked questions

How does a bovine pericardium biological matrix work?

A bovine pericardium biological matrix is a decellularised, collagen-rich scaffold. Once implanted, it supports host-cell repopulation and revascularisation, so the patient's own tissue gradually integrates with and remodels the matrix rather than encapsulating a permanent synthetic material.

Why is the inflammatory response important in a biological matrix?

A lower, well-controlled inflammatory response is associated with better integration and fewer matrix-related complications. Acellular bovine pericardium is designed to present a low-immunogenicity collagen scaffold, in contrast to the higher chronic-inflammation profile that can accompany some synthetic materials.

What happens to the matrix after implantation?

Over roughly 3–12 months the scaffold is progressively repopulated by host cells and vascularised, becoming incorporated into the patient's own soft tissue. Unlike permanent synthetic mesh, a biological matrix is remodelled rather than remaining indefinitely as a foreign body.

Is bovine pericardium decellularised?

Yes. The tissue undergoes a controlled decellularisation process that removes cellular material while preserving the native collagen architecture, producing an acellular biological scaffold suitable for implantation.