Biomechanical Effects of Unidirectional Expansion Using Anisotropic Expanders in Horse Skin Tissue

The use of a self-inflating tissue expander is a technique to stretch cutaneous tissues for potential use in reconstructive skin surgeries. This study investigates the mechanical properties of horse skin stretched by the subcutaneous implantation of anisotropic tissue expanders at the forehead, right shoulder, and dorsomedial part of the cannon region of the right forelimb in six (n = 6) horses. After 14 days of skin expansion, expanded and normal (control) skin samples were harvested and their mechanical properties of elastic modulus (EM), maximum force (MF), maximum stress (MSs) and maximum strain (MSr) were evaluated using uniaxial tension test. The expanded skin from shoulder area has higher EM, MSs, MSr and MF than the normal skin when compared to the forehead and lower forelimb. Statistically, there was a significant (P= .02) mean difference for MSs between the expanded shoulder and lower forelimb skin, but the pairwise comparison of EM, MSr and MF showed no significant difference between the locations. The overall effect of locations on EM and MSs was statistically significant (P < .05), however, there was no overall effect of horse factor, treatment factor (normal and expanded skin) and location interaction on the EM, MSS, MF and MSr. In conclusion, the expanded skin from the frontal head and the distal limb are less elastic (stiffer) compared to that of the expanded skin of the shoulder, thus anatomical location of the skin has some degree of effect on EM and MSs.

Interpenetrating polymer networks of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate as scaffolds for brain tissue engineering

Stem cells can provide neuro-protection and potentially neuro-replacement to patients suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI), with a practical option being delivery via engineered scaffolds. Collagen (Coll) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) have been used as scaffolds for brain tissue engineering yet they often do not support cell differentiation and survival. In this study, we developed interpenetrating polymer network scaffolds comprising Coll, and incorporating two commonly found GAGs in the brain, chondroitin sulfate (CS) and/or hyaluronic acid (HA). We seeded these scaffolds with mouse neural stem cells from the subventricular zone (SVZ) niche. Compared to Coll-alone, all other substrates decreased the percent of nestin+ stem cells. Coll-CS-HA was more efficient at suppressing nestin expression than the other scaffolds; all SVZ cells lost nestin expression within 7 days of culture. In contrast to nestin, the percentage of microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2+) neurons was greater in scaffolds containing, CS, HA or CS-HA, compared to Coll alone. Finally, Coll-CS increased the percentage of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP+) astrocytes compared to Coll scaffolds. Overall, this work shows that Coll-HA and Coll-CS-HA scaffolds selectively enhance neurogenesis and may be advantageous in tissue engineering therapy for TBI. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Brain injury is devastating yet with few options for repair. Stem cells that reside in the subventricular zone (SVZ) only repair damage inefficiently due to poor control of their cellular progeny and unsuitable extracellular matrix substrates. To solve these problems, we have systematically generated collagen (Coll) scaffolds with interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN) of hyaluronic acid (HA) or chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CS) or both. The scaffolds had defined pore sizes, similar mechanical properties and all three stimulated neurogenesis, whereas only CS stimulated astrocyte genesis. Overall, this work suggests that Coll-HA and Coll-CS-HA scaffolds selectively enhance neurogenesis and may be advantageous in tissue engineering therapy for brain repair.

Fabrication of biocompatible porous scaffolds based on hydroxyapatite/collagen/chitosan composite for restoration of defected maxillofacial mandible bone

Fabrication of scaffolds from biomaterials for restoration of defected mandible bone has attained increased attention due to limited accessibility of natural bone for grafting. Hydroxyapatite (Ha), collagen type 1 (Col1) and chitosan (Cs) are widely used biomaterials which could be fabricated as a scaffold to overcome the paucity of bone substitutes. Here, rabbit Col1, shrimp Cs and bovine Ha were extracted and characterized with respect to physicochemical properties. Following the biocompatibility, degradability and cytotoxicity tests for Ha, Col1 and Cs a hydroxyapatite/collagen/chitosan (Ha·Col1·Cs) scaffold was fabricated using thermally induced phase separation technique. This scaffold was cross-linked with (1) either glutaraldehyde (GTA), (2) de-hydrothermal treatment (DTH), (3) irradiation (IR) and (4) 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), resulting in four independent types (Ha·Col1·Cs-GTA, Ha·Col1·Cs-IR, Ha·Col1·Cs-DTH and Ha·Col1·Cs-HEMA). The developed composite scaffolds were porous with 3D interconnected fiber microstructure. However, Ha·Col1·Cs-IR and Ha·Col1·Cs-GTA showed better hydrophilicity and biodegradability. All four scaffolds showed desirable blood biocompatibility without cytotoxicity for brine shrimp. In vitro studies in the presence of human amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells revealed that Ha·Col1·Cs-IR and Ha·Col1·Cs-DHT scaffolds were non-cytotoxic and compatible for cell attachment, growth and mineralization. Further, grafting of Ha·Col1·Cs-IR and Ha·Col1·Cs-DHT was performed in a surgically created non-load-bearing rabbit maxillofacial mandible defect model. Histological and radiological observations indicated the restoration of defected bone. Ha·Col1·Cs-IR and Ha·Col1·Cs-DHT could be used as an alternative treatment in bone defects and may contribute to further development of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

Characteristics and Young's Modulus of Collagen Fibrils from Expanded Skin Using Anisotropic Controlled Rate Self-Inflating Tissue Expander

Mechanical properties of expanded skin tissue are different from normal skin, which is dependent mainly on the structural and functional integrity of dermal collagen fibrils. In the present study, mechanical properties and surface topography of both expanded and nonexpanded skin collagen fibrils were evaluated. Anisotropic controlled rate self-inflating tissue expanders were placed beneath the skin of sheep's forelimbs. The tissue expanders gradually increased in height and reached equilibrium in 2 weeks. They were left in situ for another 2 weeks before explantation. Expanded and normal skin samples were surgically harvested from the sheep (n = 5). Young's modulus and surface topography of collagen fibrils were measured using an atomic force microscope. A surface topographic scan showed organized hierarchical structural levels: collagen molecules, fibrils and fibers. No significant difference was detected for the D-banding pattern: 63.5 ± 2.6 nm (normal skin) and 63.7 ± 2.7 nm (expanded skin). Fibrils from expanded tissues consisted of loosely packed collagen fibrils and the width of the fibrils was significantly narrower compared to those from normal skin: 153.9 ± 25.3 and 106.7 ± 28.5 nm, respectively. Young's modulus of the collagen fibrils in the expanded and normal skin was not statistically significant: 46.5 ± 19.4 and 35.2 ± 27.0 MPa, respectively. In conclusion, the anisotropic controlled rate self-inflating tissue expander produced a loosely packed collagen network and the fibrils exhibited similar D-banding characteristics as the control group in a sheep model. However, the fibrils from the expanded skin were significantly narrower. The stiffness of the fibrils from the expanded skin was higher but it was not statistically different.

Effect of tear size, corticosteroids and subacromial decompression surgery on the hierarchical structural properties of torn supraspinatus tendons

OBJECTIVES

The effects of disease progression and common tendinopathy treatments on the tissue characteristics of human rotator cuff tendons have not previously been evaluated in detail owing to a lack of suitable sampling techniques. This study evaluated the structural characteristics of torn human supraspinatus tendons across the full disease spectrum, and the short-term effects of subacromial corticosteroid injections (SCIs) and subacromial decompression (SAD) surgery on these structural characteristics.

METHODS

Samples were collected inter-operatively from supraspinatus tendons containing small, medium, large and massive full thickness tears (n = 33). Using a novel minimally invasive biopsy technique, paired samples were also collected from supraspinatus tendons containing partial thickness tears either before and seven weeks after subacromial SCI (n = 11), or before and seven weeks after SAD surgery (n = 14). Macroscopically normal subscapularis tendons of older patients (n = 5, mean age = 74.6 years) and supraspinatus tendons of younger patients (n = 16, mean age = 23.3) served as controls. Ultra- and micro-structural characteristics were assessed using atomic force microscopy and polarised light microscopy respectively.

RESULTS

Significant structural differences existed between torn and control groups. Differences were identifiable early in the disease spectrum, and increased with increasing tear size. Neither SCI nor SAD surgery altered the structural properties of partially torn tendons seven weeks after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings may suggest the need for early clinical intervention strategies for torn rotator cuff tendons in order to prevent further degeneration of the tissue as tear size increases. Further work is required to establish the long-term abilities of SCI and SAD to prevent, and even reverse, such degeneration. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:252-61.

Improved angiogenic cell penetration in vitro and in vivo in collagen scaffolds with internal channels

Porous scaffolds are limited in volume due to diffusion constraint and delay of vascular network formation. Channels have the potential to speed up cellular penetration. Their effectiveness in improving angiogenic cell penetration was assessed in vitro and in vivo in 3-D collagen scaffolds. In vitro, channelled and non-channelled scaffolds were seeded with vascular smooth muscle cells. Results demonstrated that the scaffolds supported angiogenic cell ingrowth in culture and the channels improved the depth of cell penetration into the scaffold (P < 0.05). The cells reside mainly around and migrate along the channels. In vivo, channels increased cell migration into the scaffolds (P < 0.05) particularly angiogenic cells (P < 0.05) resulting in a clear branched vascular network of microvessels after 2 weeks in the channelled samples which was not apparent in the non-channelled samples. Channels could aid production of tissue engineered constructs by offering the possibility of rapid blood vessel infiltration into collagen scaffolds.

Characterisation of freeze-dried type II collagen and chondroitin sulfate scaffolds

Collagen type-II is the dominant type of collagen in articular cartilage and chondroitin sulfate is one of the main components of cartilage extracellular matrix. Afibrillar and fibrillar type-II atelocollagen scaffolds with and without chondroitin sulfate were prepared using casting and freeze-drying methods. The scaffolds were characterised to highlight the effects of fibrillogenesis and chondroitin sulfate addition on viscosity, pore structure, porosity and mechanical properties. Microstructure analysis showed that fibrillogenesis increased the circularity of pores significantly in collagen-only scaffolds, whereas with it, no significant change was observed in chondroitin sulfate-containing scaffolds. Addition of chondroitin sulfate to afibrillar scaffolds increased the circularity of the pores and the proportion of pores between 50 and 300 μm suitable for chondrocytes growth. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy explained the bonding between chondroitin sulfate and afibrillar collagen- confirmed with rheology results- which increased the compressive modulus 10-fold to 0.28 kPa. No bonding was observed in other scaffolds and consequently no significant changes in compressive modulus were detected.

Tenocyte proliferation on collagen scaffolds protects against degradation and improves scaffold properties

Tissue engineering scaffolds encourage cell proliferation whilst degrading to facilitate tissue regeneration. Their mechanical properties therefore change, decreasing due to scaffold degradation and increasing due to extracellular matrix deposition. This work compares the changing properties of collagen scaffolds incubated in culture medium, with and without human tenocytes, in order to investigate the relationship between degradation and tenocyte proliferation. The material properties of scaffolds are compared over 26 days using mechanical testing, differential scanning calorimetry, infra-red spectroscopy, and histology and biochemical assays. For medium-only scaffolds, the mechanical properties decrease rapidly, while culture medium sulfhydryl content increases significantly, with no significant changes in the denaturation temperature of scaffold collagen content. Conversely, the mechanical properties and collagen content of tenocyte-seeded scaffolds increase significantly while culture medium sulfhydryl content decreases and denaturation temperature remains the same. These results indicate that tenocytes proliferation both reduces the degradation of collagen scaffolds incubated in culture medium and produces scaffolds with improved properties.

Fabrication and Characterisation of Calcium Phosphate - Liposome Composites as an Implant Coating

Calcium phosphate in the form of apatite has been successfully precipitated on the surface of liposomes. Liposome vesicles were prepared by sonication of phosphatidylcholine and this was introduced into an aqueous solution of calcium and phosphate ions supersaturated with respect to hydroxyapatite. Calcium phosphate was shown to precipitate solely on the outer layer surface of the liposome vesicles. These composite assemblies were then deposited onto a stainless steel cathode substrate using an electrophoretic method at physiological temperatures.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder xray diffraction (PXRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to analyse the morphology, structure and chemical composition of the composite coating. The results from PXRD and FTIR show a mixture of amorphous and poor crystalline hydroxyapatite (HAp). This was verified by electron diffraction. Dark field images confirmed that the precipitated HAp deposited solely at the outer surface of the liposomes. SEM micrographs demonstrated a thin uniform coating at the microstructure level. These results suggest that these calcium phosphateliposome composites can be formed. They have tremendous potential for use as drug delivery devices in aiding the treatments of bone disorders.

Identification of growth increments in the shell of the bivalve mollusc Arctica islandica using backscattered electron imaging

Annually resolved growth increments in the shell of the bivalve mollusc Arctica islandica have previously been used in combination with geochemical measurements to successfully construct high-resolution proxy records of past marine environmental conditions. However, to ensure the accuracy of these paleoenvironmental reconstructions it is essential that the annual growth series of increments within the examined shells are reliably identified, and can be distinguished from spurious lines caused by nonannual perturbations such as those resulting from storm disturbance. The current methods used for identifying the growth increment series are sometimes compromised because of ambiguity that results from the employed preparation methods. Here it is shown that backscattered electron imaging of polished shell cross sections may be used to clearly discriminate between the two compositionally and structurally distinct increments that comprise 1 year of outer shell growth. This method, involving minimal specimen preparation, is likely to be primarily useful as a validation technique of particular value in cases where increment identification using existing methods is difficult or ambiguous.

Synthesis and properties of a novel anisotropic self-inflating hydrogel tissue expander

The advent of self-inflating hydrogel tissue expanders heralded a significant advance in the reconstructive techniques available for the surgical restoration of a wide variety of soft tissue defects. However, their use in specific applications such as cleft palate surgery is limited on account of their isotropic expansion. An anisotropic self-inflating hydrogel tissue expander has been developed which markedly increases the potential indications for which this restorative tool may be employed. These include complex pediatric soft tissue reconstructions of the palate, nose, ear and digits. Anisotropic expansion in a hydrogel polymer network composed of methyl methacrylate and vinylpyrrolidone has been achieved by annealing the xerogel under a compressive load for a specified time period. By controlling the anisotropic processing conditions and composition we have been able to accurately tailor the ultimate expansion ratio up to 1500%. The expansion rate of the xerogel has also been significantly reduced by encapsulating the polymer within a semi-permeable silicone membrane. The structure and properties of the novel anisotropic hydrogel were characterized by attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and small-angle neutron scattering.

A Process to Make Collagen Scaffolds with an Artificial Circulatory System using Rapid Prototyping

Tissue engineering aims to produce biological substitutes to restore or repair damaged human tissues or organs. The principle strategy behind tissue engineering involves seeding relevant cell(s) onto porous 3D biodegradable scaffolds. The scaffold acts as a temporary substrate where the cells can attach and then proliferate and differentiate. Collagen is the major protein constituent of the extracellular matrix in the human body and therefore an attractive scaffold material. Current collagen scaffolds are foams which limit the mass transport of oxygen and nutrients deep into the scaffold, and consequently cannot support the growth of thick-cross sections of tissue (greater than 500 μm). We have developed a novel process to make collagen and collagen-hydroxyapatite scaffolds containing an internal artificial circulatory system in the form of branching channels using a sacrificial mould, casting and critical point drying technique. The mould is made using a commercial rapid prototyping system, the Model-Maker II, and is designed to possess a series of connected shafts. The mould is dissolved away and the solvent itself removed by critical point drying with liquid carbon dioxide. Processed hydroxyapatite has been characterised by XRD and FTIR analysis. Tissue engineering with collagen scaffolds possessing controlled internal microarchitecture may be the key to growing thick cross-sections of human tissue.

Macrophage-mediated degradation of crosslinked collagen scaffolds

Biological scaffolds used in tissue engineering are incorporated in vivo by a process of cellular in-growth, followed by host-mediated degradation and replacement of these scaffolds, in which phagocytic cells from the monocyte/macrophage cell lineage play a key role. The chemical degradation of scaffolds with collagenases is well established, but to date this has not been correlated with an in vitro model of cell mediated scaffold degradation. RAW264.7, a murine monocyte/macrophage cell line, was cultured on collagen scaffolds crosslinked either by dehydrothermal treatment (DHT) or by carbodiimide (EDC). These cells attached to collagen scaffolds, proliferated and exhibited macrophage aggregation to form giant cells. Crosslinking the scaffolds by either DHT or EDC increased the resistance of the scaffold to degradation by macrophages. Increasing the amount of crosslinking in the scaffold made them more resistant to degradation by collagenase. However, while EDC increased the scaffolds' thermal and mechanical properties and decreased the swelling ratio, DHT increased the mechanical properties, but decreased the denaturation temperature and swelling ratio. Altering the scaffold properties by crosslinking affects the rate of degradation by macrophages, and this is correlated with chemical degradation (r=0.658, p<0.01). This will help in the design of scaffolds with task-specific profiles for use in tissue engineering.

Influence of telopeptides, fibrils and crosslinking on physicochemical properties of type I collagen films

Type I collagen is widely used in various different forms for research and commercial applications. Different forms of collagen may be classified according to their source, extraction method, crosslinking and resultant ultrastructure. In this study, afibrillar and reconstituted fibrillar films, derived from acid soluble and pepsin digested Type I collagen, were analysed using Lateral Force Microscopy (LFM), Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and enzymatic stability assays to asses the influence of telopeptides, fibrils and crosslinking. LFM proved to be a useful technique to confirm an afibrillar/fibrillar ultrastructure and to elucidate fibril diameters. FTIR has proved insensitive to ultrastructural differences involving telopeptides and fibrils. DSC results showed a significant increase in T(d) for crosslinked samples (+22-28 degrees C), and demonstrated that the thermal behaviour of hydrated, afibrillar films is more akin to reconstituted fibrillar films than monomeric solutions. The enzymatic stability assay has provided new evidence to show that afibrillar films of Type I collagen can be significantly more resistant to collagenase (by up to 3.5 times), than reconstituted fibrillar films, as a direct consequence of the different spatial arrangement of collagen molecules. A novel mechanism for this phenomenon is proposed and discussed. Additionally, the presence of telopeptide regions in afibrillar tropocollagen samples has been shown to increase resistance to collagenase by greater than 3.5 times compared to counterpart afibrillar atelocollagen samples. One-factor ANOVA analysis, with Fisher's LSD post-hoc test, confirms these key findings to be of statistical significance (P < 0.05). The profound physicochemical effects of collagen ultrastructure demonstrated in this study reiterates the need for comprehensive materials disclosure and classification when using these biomaterials.

Gradient collagen/nanohydroxyapatite composite scaffold: development and characterization

This paper reports an in situ diffusion method for the fabrication of compositionally graded collagen/nanohydroxyapatite (HA) composite scaffold. The method is diffusion based and causes the precipitation of nano-HA crystallites in situ. A collagen matrix acts as a template through which calcium ions (Ca(2+)) and phosphate ions (PO4(3-)) diffuse and precipitate a non-stoichiometric HA. It was observed that needle-like prismatic nano-HA crystallites (about 2 x 2 x 20 nm) precipitated in the interior of the collagen template onto the collagen fibrils. Chemical and microstructural analysis revealed a gradient of the Ca to P ratio across the width of the scaffold template, resulting in the formation of a Ca-rich side and a Ca-depleted side of scaffold. The Ca-rich side featured low porosity and agglomerates of the nano-HA crystallites, while the Ca-depleted side featured higher porosity and nano-HA crystallites integrated with collagen fibrils to form a porous network structure.

The impact of critical point drying with liquid carbon dioxide on collagen-hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds

Collagen-hydroxyapatite composites for bone tissue engineering are usually made by freezing an aqueous dispersion of these components and then freeze-drying. This method creates a foamed matrix which may not be optimum for growing cell colonies larger than a few hundred micrometres due to the limited diffusion of nutrients and oxygen, and the limited removal of waste metabolites. Incorporating a network of microchannels in the interior of the scaffold which may permit the flow of nutrient-rich media has been proposed as a method to overcome these diffusion constraints. A novel three-dimensional printing and critical point drying technique previously used to make collagen scaffolds has been modified to create collagen-hydroxyapatite scaffolds. This study investigates the properties of collagen and collagen-hydroxyapatite scaffolds and whether subjecting collagen and hydroxyapatite to critical point drying with liquid carbon dioxide results in any changes to the individual components. Specifically, the hydroxyapatite component was characterized before and after processing using wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. Critical point drying did not induce elemental, crystallographic or molecular changes in the hydroxyapatite. The quaternary structure of collagen was characterized using transmission electron microscopy and the quarter-staggered array characteristic of native collagen remained after processing. Microstructural characterization of the composites using scanning electron microscopy showed the hydroxyapatite particles were mechanically interlocked in the collagen matrix. The in vitro biological response of MG63 osteogenic cells to the composite scaffolds were characterized using the Alamar Blue, PicoGreen, alkaline phosphate and Live/Dead assays, and revealed that the critical point dried scaffolds were non-cytotoxic.

On the process capability of the solid free-form fabrication: a case study of scaffold moulds for tissue engineering

This study applies the methodology and procedure of process capability to investigate a solid free-form fabrication technique as a manufacturing method to produce scaffold moulds for tissue engineering. The process capability Cpk and process performance Ppk of scaffold mould manufacture using a solid free-form fabrication technique has been analysed with respect to the dimension deviations. A solid free-form fabrication machine T66 was used to fabricate scaffold moulds in this study and is able to create features that ranged from 200 microm to 1000 microm. The analysis showed that the printing process under the normal cooling conditions of the printing chamber was in statistical control but gave low process capability indices, indicating that the process was 'inadequate' for production of 'dimension-consistent' scaffold moulds. The study demonstrates that, by lowering the temperature of the cooling conditions, the capability Cpk of the printing process can be improved (about threefold) sufficiently to ensure the consistent production of scaffold moulds with dimension characteristics within their specification limits.

Development of specific collagen scaffolds to support the osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells

Type I Collagen matrices of defined porosity, incorporating carbonate substituted hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals, were assessed for their ability to support osteo- and chondrogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells (HBMSCs). Collagen-HA composite scaffolds supported the osteogenic differentiation of HBMSCs both in vitro and in vivo as demonstrated by histological and micro-CT analyses indicating the extensive penetration of alkaline phosphatase expressing cells and new matrix synthesis with localised areas immunologically positive for osteocalcin. In vivo, extensive new osteoid formation of implant origin was observed in the areas of vasculature. Chondrogenic matrix synthesis was evidenced in the peripheral regions of pure collagen systems by an abundance of Sox9 expressing chondrocytes embedded within a proteoglycan and collagen II rich ECM. The introduction of microchannels to the scaffold architecture was seen to enhance chondrogenesis. Tissue specific gene expression and corresponding matrix synthesis indicate that collagen matrices support the growth and differentiation of HBMSCs and suggest the potential of this platform for understanding the ECM cues necessary for osteogenesis and chondrogenesis.

Micro- and nano-injectable composite biomaterials containing calcium phosphate coated with poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide)

Calcium phosphate/poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) (CP/DLPLG) composite biomaterial, in which each CP particle was coated with DLPLG, was synthesized. Two kinds of composites were prepared: microcomposite, with particles 150-200mum in size, and nanocomposite, with the particles 40+/-5nm in size. Using nanoparticles, a new class of injectible composite biomaterials was produced. Based on scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared analyses, the structure and phase organization in both biomaterials was identified and in both studied cases CP particles were coated with DLPLG polymer. An injectable composite biomaterial, the characteristics of which depend on the ratio of the phases, was prepared by mixing physiological solution with the nano-CP/DLPLG composite. Rheological studies indicated a possible agglomeration of particles of the injectable nano-CP/DLPLG composite biomaterial with a CP content of 65%.

Encapsulation and release of a hydrophobic drug from hydroxyapatite coated liposomes

Hydroxyapatite (HA) coated liposomes (HACL) have been successfully manufactured and filled with a model hydrophobic (lipophilic) drug, indomethacin (IMC). These HACL particles have been characterized in terms of particle size and zeta-potential. The liposomes are formed from 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphate (DMPA) and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC). Altering their relative proportions caused the zeta-potential to change from -38.8 to -67.0 mV, with a concomitant change in phase transition temperature from 36.4 to 53.3 degrees C. These changes also affect the drug loading efficiency. The release profiles of IMC have been measured. HA coating of the liposome reduces the release rate of IMC over uncoated liposomes. Under the present experimental conditions 70% of the drug is released after approximately 5h from the liposome, but coating with HA changes this time to over 20 h. Perhaps most importantly, it has been observed that for uncoated liposomes, IMC is released at a greater rate at pH=7.4 than at pH=4. However, coating with HA reduced the rate at pH=7.4 compared to pH=4. This behaviour arises because IMC is more soluble under basic conditions, but HA is more soluble under acidic conditions. This behaviour shows that it is now possible to have environmental control over the release of drugs from HA-coated liposomes.

Controlling the processing of collagen-hydroxyapatite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Scaffolds are an important aspect of the tissue engineering approach to tissue regeneration. This study shows that it is possible to manufacture scaffolds from type I collagen with or without hydroxyapatite (HA) by critical point drying. The mean pore sizes of the scaffolds can be altered from 44 to 135 microm depending on the precise processing conditions. Such pore sizes span the range that is likely to be required for specific cells. The mechanical properties of the scaffolds have been measured and behave as expected of foam structures. The degradation rate of the scaffolds by collagenase is independent of pore size. Dehydrothermal treatment (DHT), a common method of physically crosslinking collagen, was found to denature the collagen at a temperature of 120 degrees C resulting in a decrease in the scaffold's resistance to collagenase. Hybrid scaffold structures have also been manufactured, which have the potential to be used in the generation of multi-tissue interfaces. Microchannels are neatly incorporated via an indirect solid freeform fabrication (SFF) process, which could aid in reducing the different constraints commonly observed with other scaffolds.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Ferumoxide-Labeled Mesenchymal Stem Cells Seeded on Collagen Scaffolds—Relevance to Tissue Engineering

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising candidate cell for tissue engineering. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proven effective in visualizing iron-labeled stem cells; however, the efficiency of this approach for visualization of cells seeded on scaffolds intended for use as tissue-engineered heart valves has not been assessed. MSCs were labeled by incubating for 48 h with ferumoxide and poly-L-lysine as transfecting agent. Any detrimental effect of iron labeling on cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation was examined using appropriate functional assays. Change in the nuclear magnetic relaxation properties of labeled cells was determined using in vitro relaxometry of cells seeded in 3-dimensional collagen gels. Images of labeled and non-labeled cells seeded onto 1% type I bovine collagen scaffolds were obtained using MRI. The presence of intracellular iron in labeled cells was demonstrated using Prussian blue staining, confocal microscopy, and electron microscopy. Cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation were comparable in labeled and non-labeled cells. The T2 relaxation time was 40% to 50% shorter in ferumoxide-labeled cells. Labeled cells seeded on scaffolds appeared as areas of reduced signal intensity in T2 weighted images. Ferumoxide labeling persisted and remained effective even on scans performed 4 weeks after the labeling procedure. Ferumoxide labeling of human MSCs seeded on collagen scaffolds is an effective, non-toxic technique for visualization of these cells using MRI. This technique appears promising for cell tracking in future tissue-engineering applications.

Potential for Synthesis and Degradation of Extracellular Matrix Proteins by Valve Interstitial Cells Seeded onto Collagen Scaffolds

Matrix remodeling, which involves proteolytic enzymes, such as the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), is of significant importance with respect to tissue engineering a heart valve construct. The ability of valve interstitial cells (ICs) to release these enzymes in biological scaffolds and to synthesize their own matrix has not been adequately studied, and this has important implications for tissue engineering. Cultured human aortic valve ICs were seeded onto a 3-dimensional type I collagen matrix for 28 days, whereby the presence of the remodeling enzymes, MMPs, were determined using immunohistochemistry, and detection of extracellular matrix (ECM) gene expression was performed using in situ hybridization. The collagenases, stromelysins, and membrane-type MMPs were expressed in 1%, 2%, and 5% collagen scaffolds after 28 days, whereas gelatinase expression was not observed. In situ hybridization revealed the presence of the ECM messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in cells cultured in collagen scaffolds however, an increase in all three mRNAs was only detected in the 1% collagen scaffolds. The presence of collagenases, stromelysins, and membrane-type MMPs indicate that human valve ICs have the capacity to remodel type I collagen scaffold and that the genes necessary for synthesizing matrix have been turned on within the cells themselves. Scaffold composition also demonstrated differential effects onMMPexpression. These observations are of relevance with respect to the development of tissue-engineered heart valves.

Collagen Scaffolds Reinforced with Biomimetic Composite Nano-Sized Carbonate-Substituted Hydroxyapatite Crystals and Shaped by Rapid Prototyping to Contain Internal Microchannels

The next generation of tissue engineering scaffolds will be made to accommodate blood vessels and nutrient channels to support cell survival deep in the interior of the scaffolds. To this end, we have developed a method that incorporates microchannels to permit the flow of nutrient-rich media through collagen-based scaffolds. The scaffold matrix comprises nano-sized carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals internally precipitated in collagen fibers. The scaffold therefore mimics many of the features found in bone. A biomimetic precipitation technique is used whereby a collagen membrane separates reservoirs of calcium and phosphate solutions. The collision of calcium and phosphate ions diffusing from opposite directions results in the precipitation of mineral within the collagen membrane. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed the dimension of the mineral crystals to be approximately 180 x 80 x 20 nm, indicating that the crystals reside in the intermicrofibril gaps. Electron diffraction indicated that the mineral was in the HA phase, and infrared spectroscopy confirmed type A carbonate substitution. The collagen-HA membrane is then used to make 3-dimensional (3D) scaffolds: the membrane is shredded and mixed in an aqueous-based collagen dispersion and processed using the critical point drying method. Adjusting the pH of the dispersion to 5.0 before mixing the composite component preserved the nano-sized carbonate-substituted HA crystals. Branching and interconnecting microchannels in the interior of the scaffolds are made with a sacrificial mold manufactured by using a 3D wax printer. The 3D wax printer has been modified to print the mold from biocompatible materials. Appropriately sized microchannels within collagen-HA scaffolds brings us closer to fulfilling the mass transport requirements for osteogenic cells living deep within the scaffold.

Interaction of human valve interstitial cells with collagen matrices manufactured using rapid prototyping

Rapid prototyping is a novel process for the production of scaffolds of predetermined size and three-dimensional shape. The aim of the study was to determine the feasibility of this technology for producing scaffolds for tissue engineering an aortic valve and the optimal concentration of collagen processed in this manner that would maintain viability and promote proliferation of human valve interstitial cells. Scaffolds of 1%, 2% and 5% w/v bovine type-I collagen were manufactured using rapid prototyping. Valve interstitial cells isolated from three human aortic valves were seeded on the scaffolds and cultured for up to 4 weeks. Cell viability was assessed using the CellTiter 96 Aq(ueous) One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay and cell death by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) measurement. Valve interstitial cells remained viable and proliferated within the collagen scaffolds. Cells consistently proliferated to a greater extent on 1% collagen scaffolds rather than either 2% or 5% collagen and after 4 weeks reached 212+/-33.1%, 139+/-25.9% and 129+/-38.3% (mean+/-SD) of their initial seeding density on 1%, 2% and 5% collagen scaffolds, respectively. LDH analysis demonstrated that there was minimal cell death indicating that the collagen scaffold was not toxic to human valve interstitial cells. Rapid prototyping provides a route to optimize biological scaffold designs for tissue engineering cardiac valves. This technology has the versatility to create scaffolds that are compatible with the specific needs of the valve interstitial cells and should enhance cell viability, proliferation and function.

Collagen-hydroxyapatite composites for hard tissue repair

Bone is the most implanted tissue after blood. The major solid components of human bone are collagen (a natural polymer, also found in skin and tendons) and a substituted hydroxyapatite (a natural ceramic, also found in teeth). Although these two components when used separately provide a relatively successful mean of augmenting bone growth, the composite of the two natural materials exceeds this success. This paper provides a review of the most common routes to the fabrication of collagen (Col) and hydroxyapatite (HA) composites for bone analogues. The regeneration of diseased or fractured bones is the challenge faced by current technologies in tissue engineering. Hydroxyapatite and collagen composites (Col-HA) have the potential in mimicking and replacing skeletal bones. Both in vivo and in vitro studies show the importance of collagen type, mineralisation conditions, porosity, manufacturing conditions and crosslinking. The results outlined on mechanical properties, cell culturing and de-novo bone growth of these devices relate to the efficiency of these to be used as future bone implants. Solid free form fabrication where a mould can be built up layer by layer, providing shape and internal vascularisation may provide an improved method of creating composite structures.

Making tissue engineering scaffolds work. Review: the application of solid freeform fabrication technology to the production of tissue engineering scaffolds

Tissue engineering is a new and exciting technique which has the potential to create tissues and organs de novo. It involves the in vitro seeding and attachment of human cells onto a scaffold. These cells then proliferate, migrate and differentiate into the specific tissue while secreting the extracellular matrix components required to create the tissue. It is evident, therefore, that the choice of scaffold is crucial to enable the cells to behave in the required manner to produce tissues and organs of the desired shape and size. Current scaffolds, made by conventional scaffold fabrication techniques, are generally foams of synthetic polymers. The cells do not necessarily recognise such surfaces, and most importantly cells cannot migrate more than 500 microm from the surface. The lack of oxygen and nutrient supply governs this depth. Solid freeform fabrication (SFF) uses layer-manufacturing strategies to create physical objects directly from computer-generated models. It can improve current scaffold design by controlling scaffold parameters such as pore size, porosity and pore distribution, as well as incorporating an artificial vascular system, thereby increasing the mass transport of oxygen and nutrients into the interior of the scaffold and supporting cellular growth in that region. Several SFF systems have produced tissue engineering scaffolds with this concept in mind which will be the main focus of this review. We are developing scaffolds from collagen and with an internal vascular architecture using SFF. Collagen has major advantages as it provides a favourable surface for cellular attachment. The vascular system allows for the supply of nutrients and oxygen throughout the scaffold. The future of tissue engineering scaffolds is intertwined with SFF technologies.

Novel collagen scaffolds with predefined internal morphology made by solid freeform fabrication

Novel collagen scaffolds possessing predefined and reproducible internal channels with widths of 135 microm and greater have been produced. The process employed to make the collagen scaffold utilises a sacrificial mould, manufactured using solid freeform fabrication technology, and critical point drying technique. A computer aided design (CAD) file of the mould to be produced is created. This mould is manufactured using a phase change ink-jet printer. A dispersion of collagen is then cast into the mould and frozen. The mould is dissolved away with ethanol and the collagen scaffold is then critical point dried with liquid carbon dioxide. The effect of processing on the tertiary structure of collagen is assessed by monitoring the wavenumber of the N-H stretching vibration peak using Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and it is found that processing does not denature the collagen. Ultraviolet-visual spectroscopy was used to detect the presence of any contamination from the sacrificial mould on the collagen. The ability to use computer aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) provides a route to optimise scaffold designs using collagen in tissue engineering applications.

Material removal during the sliding of hydroxyapatite against UHMWPE

Hydroxyapatite has been rubbed against ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE) under calcium-containg aqueous solutions. Further, hardness tests were carried out in air and in calcium-containing solutions whose pH ranged from pH 5 to pH 9. Hardness was found to vary with pH with a peak at around pH 7, i.e. - a chemomechanical effect was observed. Wear tests consisted in sliding hydroxyapatite samples against a UHMWPE disk for eight hours when lubricated by the same solutions as those used for the hardness tests. Volume loss, pH and calcium concentration were measured for up to 8 hours of sliding. Linking wear tests results with hardness results and supersaturation levels, it was concluded that two wear mechanisms occurred. A chemical mechanism depending on supersaturation occurred at the early stages of sliding. The wear rate was essentially independent of hardness during this stage. After a few hours, depending on the supersaturation of the lubricant, the chemical mechanism turned into a chemomechanical mechanism dependant on hardness.

A simple method for orienting silk and other flexible fibres in transmission electron microscopy specimens

When microstructures are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the interpretation of results is facilitated if the material can be sectioned in defined orientations. In the case of fibres, it is especially useful if transverse and longitudinal sections can be obtained reliably. Here we describe a procedure for orienting spider silk and other flexible fibres for TEM investigation. Prior to embedding in epoxy resin, the silk is wound around a notched support made from polyester film. No glue is required. After the silk and its supporting film have been embedded and the resin has been cured the film can be peeled away to reveal nearly perfectly orientated silk threads. Both transverse and longitudinal sections can then be cut with a microtome. The method can be extended to obtain sections at any intermediate orientation.

Compositional and structural control in bone regenerative coatings

The development of a low-temperature method of producing bioactive coatings for medical implants has been shown to bypass the problems associated with high temperature processing routes, in particular the appearance of amorphous phases and non-stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (HA), and delamination of the coating from the substrate. An electric field/aqueous solution technique for producing adherent, crack-free calcium phosphate coatings on titanium and stainless steel substrates is described. The characteristics of the coating are a function of electrode spacing, supersaturation, temperature and current and voltage conditions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterized the surface morphology of the coatings, which were shown to be HA. The possibility of producing a coating of carbonate-substituted HA having the same chemical composition as bone apatite, and forming at physiological temperatures, has also been demonstrated. The size of the microstructure decreased and the morphology changed as the carbonate ion concentration in the calcium and phosphate ion solution increased.

Collagen--calcium phosphate composites

There is a widespread clinical need for bone augmentation and replacement. The major solid phases of bone are collagen and calcium phosphate and a bone analogue based on these two constituents should have some useful properties. In this review this theme is developed and the properties of natural and naturally based composites are compared. Composites have been produced by the precipitation of calcium phosphates on to collagen and a summary of the methods and results from mechanical testing and scanning electron microscopy are presented. Composites with mechanical properties intermediate between cancellous and cortical bone have been produced. The review concludes by explaining some of the mechanical properties of the composites, using knowledge of the hierarchical architecture of bone and results from microscopical examination of the fractured composites.