Composite scaffolds for the engineering of hollow organs and tissues

Abstract

Composite scaffolds for the engineering of hollow organs and tissues AbstractSeveral types of synthetic and naturally derived biomaterials have been used for augmenting hollow organs and tissues. However, each has desirable traits which were exclusive of the other. We fabricated a composite scaffold and tested its potential for the engineering of hollow organs in a bladder tissue model. The composite scaffolds were configured to accommodate a large number of cells on one side and were designed to serve as a barrier on the opposite side. The scaffolds were fabricated by bonding a collagen matrix to PGA polymers with threaded collagen fiber stitches. Urothelial and bladder smooth muscle cells were seeded on the composite scaffolds, and implanted in mice for up to 4 weeks and analyzed. Both cell types readily attached and proliferated on the scaffolds and formed bladder tissue-like structures in vivo. These structures consisted of a luminal urothelial layer, a collagen rich compartment and a peripheral smooth muscle layer. Biomechanical studies demonstrated that the tissues were readily elastic while maintaining their pre-configured structures. This study demonstrates that a composite scaffold can be fabricated with two completely different polymer systems for the engineering of hollow organs. The composite scaffolds are biocompatible, possess adequate physical and structural characteristics for bladder tissue engineering, and are able to form tissues in vivo. This scaffold system may be useful in patients requiring hollow organ replacement. Title: COMPOSITE SCAFFOLDS FOR THE ENGINEERING OF HOLLOW ORGANS AND TISSUES Authors Abstract:Several types of synthetic and naturally derived biomaterials have been used for augmenting hollow organs and tissues. However, each has desirable traits which were exclusive of the other. We fabricated a composite scaffold and tested its potential for the engineering of hollow organs in a bladder tissue model. The composite scaffolds were configured to accommodate a large number of cells on one side and were designed to serve as a barrier on the opposite side. The scaffolds were fabricated by bonding a collagen matrix to PGA polymers with threaded collagen fiber stitches. Urothelial and bladder smooth muscle cells were seeded on the composite scaffolds, and implanted in mice for up to 4 weeks and analyzed. Both cell types readily attached and proliferated on the scaffolds and formed bladder tissue-like structures in vivo. These structures consisted of a luminal urothelial layer, a collagen rich compartment and a peripheral smooth muscle layer. Biomechanical studies demonstrated that the tissues were readily elastic while maintaining their pre-configured structures. This study demonstrates that a composite scaffold can be fabricated with two completely different polymer systems for the engineering of hollow organs. The composite scaffolds are biocompatible, possess adequate physical and structural characteristics for bladder tissue engineering, and are able to form tissues in vivo. Thi...

Integration of collagen matrices into the urethra when implanted as onlay graft

“…Combined with the employment of new materials these techniques may become important in the reconstruction or replacement of lost or insufficient organs or tissues, and a viable option in cases of lack or partial absence of tissues (5,(27)(28)(29).…”

Biomaterial Scaffold Fabrication Techniques for Potential Tissue Engineering Applications

“…Subsequently solvent was removed by evaporation as a result a composite material, which consists of non-bonded PGA fiber, embedded in PLLA matrix is formed (Chen et al, 2002). The scaffolds were fabricated by bonding a collagen matrix to PGA polymers with threaded collagen fiber stitches (Eberli et al, 2009). Fiber bonding occurs during post treatments at a temperature above the melting temperature of PGA.…”

Microstructure and cytocompatibility of collagen matrices for urological tissue engineering

“…Furthermore, the material should be biodegradable to support the replacement by normal tissue. Several attempts have been made to identify such an ideal scaffold, such as decellularized matrices (bladder submucosa or small intestine submucosa) [3][4][5][6], collagen-based [7][8][9], and synthetic materials [10,11]. Natural materials are of significant interest due to the biocompatibility of the substrates themselves and their degradation products.…”