NMR Study of Elastin's Elasticity Mechanism

Abstract

Fibroblasts play an important role in tissue growth and wound healing by generating contractile force or tension within collagen network. As a result, fibroblast-populated collagen lattices have become a common tissue model for studying the biology and biomechanics of wound healing. However, it is challenging to estimate the amplitudes of the cellular tension in the engineered tissue in normal and wound healing conditions. In this study, we engineered the tissue that is made up mainly of human dermal fibroblasts and type I collagen. We used the Optical Coherence Tomography to image and quantify the development and reorganization of the collagen network driven by fibroblast cells. We also probed the mechanical tension in the tissue by introducing a circular dissection on the tissue and quantifying the ensuing wound expansion. Finite element models were created to simulate the wound expansion and estimate the magnitude of the associated tension. Quantifying how mechanical forces regulate the tissue generation will help us understand the biophysical mechanisms behind wound healing.

Extracellular Matrix Coatings on Cardiovascular Materials—A Review

“…The cross-linked network structure of elastin consists of tropoelastin, whose lysine amino acids undergo extensive cross-linking by lysine oxidase immediately after release from cells, followed by condensation to link several side chains. The elasticity of the elastin network comes from its unique structure, and the loose and random coil conformation of the polypeptide chain endows it with good elasticity [87]. Elastin does not form blood clots; thus, the stents and coatings made from it show increased blood compatibility [88].…”