Fabrication and characterization of biomimetic collagen-apatite scaffolds with tunable structures for bone tissue engineering

Acta Biomater. 2013 Jul;9(7):7308-19. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2013.03.038. Epub 2013 Apr 6.

Abstract

The objective of the current study is to prepare a biomimetic collagen-apatite scaffold for improved bone repair and regeneration. A novel bottom-up approach has been developed, which combines a biomimetic self-assembly method with a controllable freeze-casting technology. In this study, the mineralized collagen fibers were generated using a simple one-step co-precipitation method which involved collagen self-assembly and in situ apatite precipitation in a collagen-containing modified simulated body fluid (m-SBF). The precipitates were then subjected to controllable freeze casting, forming scaffolds with either an isotropic equiaxed structure or a unidirectional lamellar structure. These scaffolds were comprised of collagen fibers and poorly crystalline bone-like carbonated apatite nanoparticles. The mineral content in the scaffold could be tailored in the range 0-54wt.% by simply adjusting the collagen content in the m-SBF. Further, the mechanisms of the formation of both the equiaxed and the lamellar scaffolds were investigated, and freezing regimes for equiaxed and lamellar solidification were established. Finally, the bone-forming capability of such prepared scaffolds was evaluated in vivo in a mouse calvarial defect model. It was confirmed that the scaffolds well support new bone formation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apatites / chemistry*
  • Biomimetic Materials / chemical synthesis*
  • Bone Development / physiology
  • Bone Regeneration / physiology
  • Bone Substitutes / chemical synthesis*
  • Collagen / chemistry*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Materials Testing
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Skull Fractures / pathology
  • Skull Fractures / surgery*
  • Tissue Engineering / instrumentation*
  • Tissue Scaffolds*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Apatites
  • Bone Substitutes
  • Collagen