Reinforced bioartificial dermis constructed with collagen threads

Abstract

In this work, a novel type of composite scaffold was designed, which has the suitability of both high biocompatibility and strong mechanical properties, for use in bioartificial dermis applications. The reinforced scaffold consisted of a lyophilized collagen sponge formed around a cross-linked collagen meshwork with an average thread diameter of approximately 55 μm. Fibroblasts were cultured in the reinforced collagen sponge for 7 days, during which time the pores in the sponge became filled with cells that secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) to form a bioartificial dermis. Results of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) measurements and compression tests indicated that the bioartificial dermis formed around the reinforced collagen sponge showed about ten times the strength of the bioartificial dermis formed around a typical collagen sponge (1.5 ± 0.05 vs. 0.15 ± 0.05 and 2.5 ± 0.1 vs. 0.2 ± 0.08 MPa, respectively). As a result, reinforced collagen mesh improved mechanical properties and this technique will be possible to make stronger scaffolds, not only for artificial skin applications but also various artificial tissues, such as synthetic cartilage, bone, and blood vessels. © KSBB

Tissue scaffolds for skin wound healing and dermal reconstruction

“… Optical microscopic photographs of collagen thread mesh (A), reinforced collagen sponge with collagen mesh (B), SEM micrographs of collagen sponge reinforced by collagen mesh (C), and the fibroblasts growing and filling the collagen mesh (D). (Reprinted with permission from Ref 54. Copyright 2008 Springer).…”

Effect of fiber crosslinking on collagen‐fiber reinforced collagen–chondroitin‐6‐sulfate materials for regenerating load‐bearing soft tissues

“…Extruded collagen fibers, reconstituted from acid swollen gel type I collagen, have been investigated particularly for the purposes of ligament and tendon repair 18 ; but implant definition, ease of implantation, and cellular attachment may be limited for a fiberonly material. A combination of a freeze-dried collagen based matrix with collagen fiber reinforcement has been previously considered in the production of bioartificial dermis 19 and may prove equally applicable in the repair of tissues such as ligament, tendon, and cartilage.…”

Thermal behaviors of elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) according to their physical properties and environmental conditions

“…Due to their distinctive mechanical properties, these proteins provide important tools for many clinical applications [1][2][3]. Among the fibrous proteins, elastin is one of the most abundant cellular matrix protein found in skin, lungs, blood vessels, elastic components, etc.…”