Discrete crosslinked fibrin microthread scaffolds for tissue regeneration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Fibrin matrices play a crucial role in natural wound healing.
• Existing fibrin materials often lack the mechanical strength required for engineered tissues.
• Developing robust and biocompatible scaffolds is essential for guided tissue regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop discrete fibrin microthreads and novel fibrin thread-based scaffolds.
• To characterize the mechanical properties and cellular responses of these fibrin materials.
• To evaluate their potential for creating organized, aligned tissues for regenerative applications.

Main Methods:

• Coextrusion of fibrinogen and thrombin solutions through polyethylene tubing to form microthreads.
• Assessment of microthread diameter, ultimate tensile strength, and stiffness.
• Evaluation of fibroblast attachment, proliferation, and alignment on the microthreads.
• Investigation of ultraviolet (UV) light crosslinking effects on mechanical properties and cell behavior.

Main Results:

• Fibrin microthreads exhibited hydrated diameters of 55-65 micrometers.
• Uncrosslinked microthreads achieved tensile strengths approaching 4.5 MPa.
• UV crosslinking approximately doubled the strength and stiffness of the microthreads.
• Uncrosslinked microthreads supported fibroblast attachment, proliferation, and alignment, while UV crosslinking attenuated proliferation.

Conclusions:

• Fibrin microthreads and scaffolds possess superior mechanical properties compared to fibrin gels.
• Uncrosslinked fibrin microthreads are conducive to cell growth and alignment, indicating potential for tissue regeneration.
• These fibrin-based materials show promise for directing cell-mediated tissue ingrowth and regeneration, mimicking natural wound healing processes.