title: Evaluation of methods for the construction of collagenous scaffolds with a radial pore structure for tissue engineering.
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.
authors: Department of Biochemistry 280, NCMLS, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors: Katrien M
authors: KM
authors: Brouwer
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: van Rensch
authors: Veroniek E M
authors: VE
authors: Harbers
authors: Paul J
authors: PJ
authors: Geutjes
authors: Martin J W
authors: MJ
authors: Koens
authors: René M H
authors: RM
authors: Wijnen
authors: Willeke F
authors: WF
authors: Daamen
authors: Toin H
authors: TH
authors: van Kuppevelt