Issues in the design of tissue-engineered collagen constructs and some approaches to their solution: A review

Abstract

This review article analyzes modern literature sources on the design of bioinks and tissue-engineered constructs on the basis of soluble forms of collagen, including gelatin. The choice of soluble forms of collagen as a biopolymer basis for bioinks and this type of constructs is determined by their unique biocompatibility, bioresorbability, as well as the presence of adhesive sites (motifs) for binding cells with their subsequent proliferation and organ or tissue maturation. However, the poor mechanical properties of products derived from soluble collagens, rapid biodegradation, tendency to lose the solubility of highly viscous solutions when stored or with pH increase limit their application in tissue engineering. The use of more stable low-viscosity collagen solutions does not enable the creation of dimensionally stable tissue-engineered constructs. It is shown that the introduction of various water-soluble biocompatible polymeric additives into hydrogels on the basis of soluble collagens allows the above-mentioned problems to be solved, as well as providing a means to customize the required characteristics of bioinks and tissue-engineered constructs. The additives that improve their characteristics include biopolymers: silk sericin and fibroin, as well as alginates and fibrinogen, which can form cross-links in the presence of Ca2+. This type of crosslinking is shown to further improve the performance of these constructs. All of these biopolymers are commercially available. The article comparatively analyzes approaches to stabilizing the shape, improving the mechanical properties, and adjusting the bioresorption time of 3D printed tissue-engineered constructs during organ or tissue maturation.