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Evaluation of methods for the construction of collagenous scaffolds with a radial pore structure for tissue engineering
Author(s) -
Brouwer Katrien M.,
van Rensch Paul,
Harbers Veroniek E.M.,
Geutjes Paul J.,
Koens Martin J.W.,
Wijnen René M.H.,
Daamen Willeke F.,
van Kuppevelt Toin H.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.835
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-7005
pISSN - 1932-6254
DOI - 10.1002/term.397
Subject(s) - materials science , scaffold , biomaterial , tissue engineering , tube (container) , biomedical engineering , composite material , nanotechnology , medicine
Abstract Type I collagen is used widely as a biomaterial. The structure of collagenous biomaterials, including pore sizes and general architecture, can be varied by a number of techniques. In this study, we developed a method to construct flat fibrillar type I collagen scaffolds, 6 cm in diameter and with a radially orientated pore structure, by the use of directional freezing. Different methodologies were tested, the optimal one being freezing of a collagen suspension inside‐out, using a centrally positioned liquid nitrogen‐cooled tube. Pore sizes could be varied by the use of different tube materials. Use of aluminium tubes resulted in radial scaffolds with a pore size of 20–30 µm, whereas use of stainless steel produced radial scaffolds with 70–100 µm pore sizes. Brass‐ and copper‐based tubes produced scaffolds with less homogeneous radial pores, pore sizes being 90–100 and 50–80 µm, respectively. Fibreglass tubes gave even less uniformity (pore size 100–150 µm). Scaffolds were free of cracks, except in case of aluminium. Scaffolds with a radial inner structure may be especially suitable for tissue engineering of organs with a radial scaffold structure, such as the diaphragm. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.