title: Preparation of differently sized injectable collagen micro-scaffolds.
abstract: Collagen scaffolds have been widely used as biomaterials for tissue engineering. In general, application of scaffolds requires surgery. In this study, we describe a new and simple technique to prepare porous micro-scaffolds from type I collagen fibrils which can be injected, thus preventing surgery. The size of the micro-scaffolds could be easily controlled using sieves with varying cut-offs. EDC-NHS crosslinking was essential to stabilize the collagen micro-scaffolds. Micro-scaffolds were highly porous and could be injected through small diameter needles (18-21 gauge). Collagen micro-scaffolds may be used as injectables for the local delivery of effector molecules and/or cells, thus creating specific niches to enhance local tissue regeneration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Geutjes
authors.forename: Kaeuis A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Faraj
authors.forename: Willeke F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Daamen
authors.forename: Toin H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: van Kuppevelt
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000494:pharmacology; D007267:Injections; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010316:Particle Size; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D024042:Collagen Type I