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A Protocol for Bioinspired Design: A Ground Sampler Based on Sea Urchin Jaws
Published on: April 24, 2016
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Collagen-Based 3D Scaffolds from Sea Urchin Food Waste for Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering
Eylem Emek Akyürek1, Luca Melotti1, Martina Erba1
1Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|February 13, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed novel 3D skeletal muscle tissue models using sea urchin-derived collagen scaffolds. These innovative in vitro models show promise for reducing animal testing in drug development and regenerative medicine.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Pharmacology
Background:
- In vivo animal studies are essential for drug development but raise ethical concerns.
- Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems offer promising alternatives to animal models.
- Skeletal muscle research is vital due to its susceptibility to genetic disorders and injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel 3D skeletal muscle tissue models using sustainable biomaterials.
- To evaluate the potential of sea urchin-derived collagen scaffolds for skeletal muscle tissue engineering.
- To reduce reliance on animal models in preclinical research.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of two types of 3D collagen scaffolds (Coll and CollMA) from sea urchin food waste.
- Cellularization of scaffolds with C2C12 myoblasts.
- Assessment of cell infiltration, viability, and myogenic commitment within the 3D constructs.
Main Results:
- C2C12 myoblasts successfully infiltrated and remained viable throughout both Coll and CollMA scaffolds.
- A multilayered cellular population was established within the 3D structures.
- The CollMA scaffold demonstrated a positive Pax7/MyoD expression pattern, indicating myogenic commitment.
Conclusions:
- Sea urchin-derived collagen matrices show potential as scaffolds for skeletal muscle tissue engineering.
- These 3D models offer a promising in vitro alternative for studying skeletal muscle.
- The study highlights a sustainable approach to biomaterial development for regenerative medicine.
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