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Processed Eggshell Membrane Powder Is a Promising Biomaterial for Use in Tissue Engineering.
Sissel B Rønning1, Ragnhild S Berg1, Vibeke Høst1
1Nofima AS, Pb 210, NO-1431 Ås, Norway.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|November 4, 2020
Summary
Processed eggshell membrane powder (PEP) enhances collagen scaffolds for tissue engineering. This low-cost biomaterial improves mechanical properties and supports the growth and viability of regenerating cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Processed eggshell membrane powder (PEP) is a low-cost, abundant biomaterial derived from the chicken egg industry.
- PEP possesses beneficial bioactive properties suitable for therapeutic applications.
- Natural biomaterials are increasingly explored for tissue engineering scaffolds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the tissue regenerating and biomechanical properties of PEP for 3D-scaffold applications.
- To evaluate PEP as a low-cost ingredient for therapeutic scaffolds.
- To compare collagen scaffolds with PEP/collagen composite scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- Production of collagen scaffolds and PEP/collagen composite scaffolds.
- Mechanical testing to assess scaffold hardness.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for structural analysis.
- Cell culture studies with primary fibroblasts and skeletal muscle cells.
- Immunostaining and mRNA expression analysis to evaluate cell phenotype and viability.
Main Results:
- PEP/collagen scaffolds exhibited increased mechanical hardness compared to pure collagen scaffolds.
- SEM revealed an interconnected porous structure with even PEP distribution.
- Fibroblast and skeletal muscle cells successfully attached, remained viable, and proliferated in both scaffold types for up to 2 weeks.
- Cells maintained their phenotypic properties, confirmed by marker expression (TE7, alpha-smooth muscle actin, CD56).
- mRNA analysis supported viable cell phenotypes and matrix production.
Conclusions:
- PEP is a promising, low-cost natural biomaterial for 3D tissue engineering scaffolds.
- Combining PEP with collagen improves scaffold mechanical properties.
- PEP-based scaffolds promote cellular adhesion, viability, and growth for tissue regeneration.
