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Collagen Nanoyarns: Hierarchical Three-Dimensional Biomaterial Constructs.
Chukwuemeka W Chikelu1, Mark Berns2, Dolores Conover1
1School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.
Biomacromolecules
|February 8, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed collagen nanoyarns (CNY) using modified electrospinning, creating a novel biomaterial scaffold. These cross-linked CNYs show improved mechanical properties and support cell adhesion, indicating potential for tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Hierarchical fibrous scaffolds (HFS) mimic native tissue structures like tendon and bone.
- Modified electrospinning techniques enable the creation of macroscale nanofiber yarns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop continuous yarns of twisted type I collagen nanofibers (collagen nanoyarns, CNY) using a modified electrospinning setup.
- To characterize the fabricated CNYs and assess their potential as biomaterial scaffolds for tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Modified electrospinning to create twisted collagen nanoyarns from collagen solution.
- Cross-linking of CNYs to enhance stability and mechanical properties.
- Characterization using SEM, mechanical testing, CD, and UV-vis spectroscopy.
- Cell adhesion studies using HeLa cells cultured on the scaffolds.
Main Results:
- Fabricated CNYs exhibited a twisted nanofiber morphology (213 ± 60 nm fiber diameter, 372 ± 23 μm yarn diameter).
- Cross-linking reduced yarn diameter by 35% and significantly improved mechanical properties and stability.
- CD spectroscopy confirmed retention of 60% of collagen's triple-helical content.
- HeLa cells adhered to and aligned with the CNY surface topography.
Conclusions:
- Collagen nanoyarns represent a promising new class of shapable biomaterial scaffolds.
- CNYs can serve as building blocks for generating macroscale fiber-based tissues.
- The study demonstrates the potential of CNYs in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
