Nanofibrous Gelatin-Based Biomaterial with Improved Biomimicry Using D-Periodic Self-Assembled Atelocollagen

Abstract

Design of bioinspired materials that mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) at the nanoscale is a challenge in tissue engineering. While nanofibrillar gelatin materials mimic chemical composition and nano-architecture of natural ECM collagen components, it lacks the characteristic D-staggered array (D-periodicity) of 67 nm, which is an important cue in terms of cell recognition and adhesion properties. In this study, a nanofibrous gelatin matrix with improved biomimicry is achieved using a formulation including a minimal content of D-periodic self-assembled atelocollagen. We suggest a processing route approach consisting of the thermally induced phase separation of the gelatin based biopolymeric mixture precursor followed by chemical-free material cross-linking. The matrix nanostructure is characterized using field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), wide angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The cell culture assays indicate that incorporation of 2.6 wt.% content of D-periodic atelocollagen to the gelatin material, produces a significant increase of MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblast cells attachment and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) proliferation, in comparison with related bare gelatin matrices. The presented results demonstrate the achievement of an efficient route to produce a cost-effective, compositionally defined and low immunogenic “collagen-like” instructive biomaterial, based on gelatin.

Effect of collagen denaturation degree on mechanical properties and biological activity of nanofibrous scaffolds

“…To follow the changes in super molecular organization of collagen in the fabricated nonwoven materials, FTIR analyses was performed. The FTIR spectra of the samples (Figure 2A) are characterized by the presence of absorption bands typical for nitrogen‐containing compounds, 23 that is, 3276 cm −1 (stretching vibrations of NH bonds), 1639 cm −1 (with a shoulder at 1650 cm −1 , Amide I band—CO stretching vibration), 1526 cm −1 and its overtone at 3072 cm −1 (Amide II band—NH bending vibrations and CN stretching vibrations), 1205–1280 cm −1 (Amide III band—bending vibrations of NH+ bending vibrations of CO+ stretching vibrations of CC). To characterize the secondary structure of the protein, we used the absorption band of Amide I (in the region of wavenumbers from 1600 to 1700 cm −1 ), since the characteristic peaks at 1660 and 1633 cm −1 can be applied for estimation of the collagen transition degree from its native to denatured state 24 .…”

Sol–Gel Technologies to Obtain Advanced Bioceramics for Dental Therapeutics

“…To improve the oral and dental health of the population, regenerative dentistry is a very promising approach that aims both to prevent oral-dental deterioration and to restore the anatomy and functionality of diseased teeth [21]. To this end, it draws on new advances in procedures based on cell biology and new biomaterials [22,23]. Synthetic biomimetic materials, and particularly bioceramics are undoubtedly fundamental elements in the development of these advanced dental therapies, as the calcium phosphate type formulations are the natural bioceramic components of dental and bone tissues [24,25].…”