posted on 2009-05-22, 13:46authored byYang LiuYang Liu, David Williams
This preliminary work explores a technique for processing collagen gels to provide a structured matrix support for cell growth and other tissue engineering applications without using cyto-toxic photo-initiators. Collagen gels can be structured by techniques similar to those of rapid manufacturing and retain the fibril structure of native collagen. Incorporation of alpha-modified minimal essential medium (MEM) in the collagen solution improved the rate of gelation in a cell-friendly way. Local gelation of a collagen solution formulated with alpha-modified MEM can be achieved by exposure to radiation from a remote incandescent lamp source indicating that it may be possible to prepare structured gels by lithographically based rapid manufacturing processes. Exposure of the alpha-modified MEM collagen solution to the radiation also increased the thickness of the collagen fibrils formed during the gelation process to create a more structured gel. Methyl blue staining, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments confirmed the collagen was not denatured, i.e. the native structure of collagen was retained.
History
School
Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
Citation
LIU, Y. and WILLIAMS, D.J., 2006. Processing of collagen gels to create in vitro cell growth matrix without damage to the collagen native structure. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part B: Journal of Engineering Manufacture, 220 (5), pp. 787-791