Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025

Preparation of 3D Collagen Gels and Microchannels for the Study of 3D Interactions In Vivo
Published on: May 9, 2016
Collagen fibril diameter distribution affects permeability of ligament tissue: A computational study on healthy and
C Erisken1, A Tsiantis2, T D Papathanasiou2
1Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.
Abstract:
Background and objective In avascular or hypovascular tissues, elements required for maintaining tissue functions are recruited through diffusion, which is highly related with the permeability of the extracellular matrix in health and injury. Here, we investigate the effect of collagen fibril diameter distribution of bovine Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tissue on the hydraulic permeability of the matrix. Based on the fact that the diameter distribution is significantly different between healthy and injured ACL tissues, our study aims to investigate the effect of such variability on the hydraulic permeability. Methods Simulations are carried out in 3D geometries reconstructed from actual collagen filament/fibril diameter distributions obtained from healthy and injured tissue samples (n=3). The fluid flow through the fibrous tissue is modeled based on Eringen's theory of micropolar fluid flow to determine the effects of vortex viscosity (m) and spin gradient viscosity (N) on hydraulic permeability. Results Computational results indicate that the hydraulic permeability of models which are replicates of healthy ACL tissues is higher than that of the injured, indicating that the filament size distribution might play an important role on fluid and nutrient transport through ligament tissues. Conclusions These findings underscore the need for increased attention on replicating the diameter distribution of healthy collagens in tissue engineering scaffolds and allowing adequate supply of elements through permeation during ACL reconstruction procedures.
Related Concept Videos
Fibril-associated Collagen
For example, the type II collagen fibrils in cartilage have covalently bound type IX fibril-associated collagens at regular intervals. Other types of fibril-associated collagens are...
Dense Connective Tissue
Dense Regular Connective Tissue
In dense regular connective tissue, fibers are arranged parallel to each other, enhancing its tensile strength and resistance to stretching in the direction of the fiber orientations. Ligaments and tendons are made of dense regular...
Collagens are the Major Structural Proteins of ECM
Connective tissue proper includes loose...
Extracellular Matrix
Structural Protein Function
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
Elastin is Responsible for Tissue Elasticity
Ligaments and tendons are made of dense regular connective tissue, but in ligaments not all fibers are parallel. Dense regular elastic tissue contains elastin fibers and...

