Assessment of the biocompatibility and stability of a gold nanoparticle collagen bioscaffold

Abstract

Collagen has been utilized as a scaffold for tissue engineering applications due to its many advantageous properties. However, collagen in its purified state is mechanically weak and prone to rapid degradation. To mitigate these effects, collagen can be crosslinked. Although enhanced mechanical properties and stability can be achieved by crosslinking, collagen can be rendered less biocompatible either due to changes in the overall microstructure or due to the cytotoxicity of the crosslinkers. We have investigated crosslinking collagen using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to enhance mechanical properties and resistance to degradation while also maintaining its natural microstructure and biocompatibility. Rat tail type I collagen was crosslinked with AuNPs using a zero-length crosslinker, 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC). Several characterization studies were performed including electron microscopy, collagenase assays, ROS assays, and biocompatibility assays. The results demonstrated that AuNP-collagen scaffolds had increased resistance to degradation as compared to non-AuNP-collagen while still maintaining an open microstructure. Although the biocompatibility assays showed that the collagen and AuNP-collagen scaffolds are biocompatible, the AuNP-collagen demonstrated enhanced cellularity and glycoaminoglycans (GAG) production over the collagen scaffolds. Additionally, the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) assays indicated the ability of the AuNP-collagen to reduce oxidation. Overall, the AuNP-collagen scaffolds demonstrated enhanced biocompatibility and stability over non-AuNP scaffolds.

Homogenized Porcine Extracellular Matrix Derived Injectable Tissue Construct with Gold Nanoparticles for Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering Applications

“…Similar to the effects of proliferation and migration, the concentration and size of the nanoparticle affects how the cells interact with the particles [39]. Previous studies of cellular ROS concentrations on collagen-100 nm AuNP constructs have shown a concentration dependent decrease in ROS production [16]. Too high of a concentration of nanoparticles may in- …”

“…It has also been shown that the conjugation of AuNP to ECM tissue scaffolds enhances remodeling in vivo [15]. This remodeling influence can be attributed to an increase in cellularity and GAG production in the presence of AuNP [16]. AuNP can increase migration and adhesion of cells to tissue scaffolds due to AuNP' increased surface energy or due the creation of a topography favoring cell attachment [16].…”

“…This remodeling influence can be attributed to an increase in cellularity and GAG production in the presence of AuNP [16]. AuNP can increase migration and adhesion of cells to tissue scaffolds due to AuNP' increased surface energy or due the creation of a topography favoring cell attachment [16]. In addition, it is suggested that AuNP may block binding sites for collagenase, slowing in vivo degradation [16].…”

“…AuNP can increase migration and adhesion of cells to tissue scaffolds due to AuNP' increased surface energy or due the creation of a topography favoring cell attachment [16]. In addition, it is suggested that AuNP may block binding sites for collagenase, slowing in vivo degradation [16]. Gold and specifically AuNP have been used as an anti-inflammatory agent for many years [17] [18] [19].…”

Alignment of collagen fiber in knitted silk scaffold for functional massive rotator cuff repair

“…One such limitation is that the collagen scaffold degraded too quickly in vivo within the rabbit model, and almost no intact collagen scaffold could be found even after 4 weeks post-surgery. Advanced fabrication technology such as crosslinking with gold nanoparticles [28], could be utilized to slow down the collagen degradation rate. However, the biodegradation rate of the collagen matrix should also match the deposition of new tissues in situ.…”