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Electrospinning of collagen and elastin for tissue engineering applications
L Buttafoco1, N G Kolkman, P Engbers-Buijtenhuijs
1Department of Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials, Faculty of Science and Technology and Institute of Biomedical Technology BMTI, University of Twente, Enschede, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, The Netherlands.
Biomaterials
|August 23, 2005
Summary
Researchers electrospun collagen and elastin into biocompatible meshes for tissue engineering. These meshes support smooth muscle cell growth and offer tunable fiber diameters and thermal stability after crosslinking.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Collagen and elastin are crucial extracellular matrix proteins.
- Developing biocompatible scaffolds is essential for regenerative medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop electrospun meshes of collagen and elastin for potential biomedical applications.
- To investigate the influence of processing parameters on fiber morphology and mesh properties.
Main Methods:
- Electrospinning of collagen and elastin from aqueous solutions.
- Characterization of fiber morphology using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
- Crosslinking of meshes using EDC/NHS chemistry and thermal analysis.
Main Results:
- Continuous and homogeneous collagen/elastin fibers were successfully produced via electrospinning.
- Fiber diameter ranged from 220 to 600 nm, influenced by elastin content.
- Crosslinked meshes exhibited high thermal stability (T(d)=79°C) and supported smooth muscle cell growth.
Conclusions:
- Electrospun collagen/elastin meshes are promising biomaterials for tissue engineering.
- Processing parameters allow control over fiber morphology and mesh characteristics.
- Crosslinking enhances thermal stability without compromising biocompatibility.