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A novel hydrogel-collagen composite improves functionality of an injectable extracellular matrix
R Hartwell1, V Leung, C Chavez-Munoz
1Burn and Wound Healing Research Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6H 3Z6.
Acta Biomaterialia
|May 17, 2011
Summary
Researchers developed an injectable collagen-glycosaminoglycan (GAG) scaffold with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for cell transplantation. This PVA-borate composite matrix supports skin cell organization and function, advancing tissue engineering strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Cellular transplantation shows promise for repairing tissues like skin, muscle, nerves, and pancreatic islets.
- Developing injectable scaffolds is crucial for maintaining normal cellular organization during transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create and evaluate a simple injectable collagen matrix designed to preserve skin cell organization.
- To compare collagen-glycosaminoglycan (GAG) scaffolds with and without polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and crosslinking.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of three scaffold types: collagen-GAG, crosslinked collagen-GAG without PVA, and crosslinked collagen-GAG with PVA hydrogel.
- Assessment of scaffold cytotoxicity, tensile strength, fibril formation, and collagenase digestion.
- Evaluation of fibroblast-populated scaffolds for contraction and cellularity changes over 10 days.
Main Results:
- All scaffolds were non-cytotoxic.
- PVA-containing gels demonstrated superior tensile strength, faster fibril formation, and reduced collagenase digestion.
- Fibroblast-populated PVA-borate scaffolds resisted contraction and showed reduced cellularity, forming organized skin substitutes with a keratinized epidermis.
Conclusions:
- The PVA-borate-collagen matrix is a multifunctional injectable composite suitable for tissue engineering.
- This scaffold effectively supports cellular organization and promotes the development of skin substitutes resembling native skin.
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01:29The Extracellular Matrix
Overview
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
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01:42The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.Composition of the Extracellular MatrixThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse molecules.