Biocompatibility of a Marine Collagen-Based Scaffold In Vitro and In Vivo

Abstract

Scaffold material is essential in providing mechanical support to tissue, allowing stem cells to improve their function in the healing and repair of trauma sites and tissue regeneration. The scaffold aids cell organization in the damaged tissue. It serves and allows bio mimicking the mechanical and biological properties of the target tissue and facilitates cell proliferation and differentiation at the regeneration site. In this study, the developed and assayed bio-composite made of unique collagen fibers and alginate hydrogel supports the function of cells around the implanted material. We used an in vivo rat model to study the scaffold effects when transplanted subcutaneously and as an augment for tendon repair. Animals’ well-being was measured by their weight and daily activity post scaffold transplantation during their recovery. At the end of the experiment, the bio-composite was histologically examined, and the surrounding tissues around the implant were evaluated for inflammation reaction and scarring tissue. In the histology, the formation of granulation tissue and fibroblasts that were part of the inclusion process of the implanted material were noted. At the transplanted sites, inflammatory cells, such as plasma cells, macrophages, and giant cells, were also observed as expected at this time point post transplantation. This study demonstrated not only the collagen-alginate device biocompatibility, with no cytotoxic effects on the analyzed rats, but also that the 3D structure enables cell migration and new blood vessel formation needed for tissue repair. Overall, the results of the current study proved for the first time that the implantable scaffold for long-term confirms the well-being of these rats and is correspondence to biocompatibility ISO standards and can be further developed for medical devices application.

Collagen–Alginate Composite Hydrogel: Application in Tissue Engineering and Biomedical Sciences

“…The composite hydrogel integrates the merits of each material and overcomes each limitation such as enhanced mechanical properties, powerful moldability, capability to maintain cell viability and potential to induce osteogenic lineage under defined environment. The excellent biocompatibility of CAC hydrogel has been extensively examined [ 90 , 103 ]. A study conducted by Benayahu et al showed that up to six-month system stability of the composite hydrogel under different storage conditions in vitro and excellent biocompatibility by the observation of the absence of adverse effect and non-cytotoxicity near the implants [ 103 ].…”

“…The excellent biocompatibility of CAC hydrogel has been extensively examined [ 90 , 103 ]. A study conducted by Benayahu et al showed that up to six-month system stability of the composite hydrogel under different storage conditions in vitro and excellent biocompatibility by the observation of the absence of adverse effect and non-cytotoxicity near the implants [ 103 ].…”

“…The transplantation of CAC scaffold into defects promoted wound healing in vivo. Collagen–alginate wound dressings have more advantageous effects on promoting wound healing [ 103 ].…”

Cell-Free Book-Shaped Decellularized Tendon Matrix Graft Capable of Controlled Release of BMP-12 to Improve Tendon Healing in a Rat Model

“…In previous studies, several types of collagen scaffolds were developed to promote tendon repair. 4,6,51,66 However, these scaffolds were insufficient, as they did not mimic the anisotropic structure of the native tendon and promote cell adhesion and differentiation of tenocytes, although they possessed appropriate mechanical properties. The current challenge remains: to develop an ideal scaffold that satisfies the aforementioned requirements.…”

Diverse and Productive Source of Biopolymer Inspiration: Marine Collagens

“…213 These unique collagen fibers can be used as scaffolds for tissue regeneration in support of the healing process, enabling the cell migration and new blood vessel formation needed for tissue repair. 214…”