Porcine-Derived Collagen as a Scaffold for Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Porcine-derived dermal collagen has been studied as a potential scaffold for the production of tissue engineered products. The surface structure of the collagen has been examined by low temperature-scanning electron microscopy and reveals an open fibrous network. Human endothelial, fibroblast and smooth muscle cells were seeded, at densities of up to 1 × 10 6 cell ml -1 , onto 10 × 10 mm collagen sections or 16 mm diameter (2 cm 2 ) discs of either 0.75 or 1.5 mm thickness. The seeded collagen was incubated at 37°C and 5% CO 2 . Adhesion of the cells to the collagen matrix was observed, but this was not as high as in control experiments on tissue culture plastic. After washing of the collagen matrix, in PBS and culture media, endothelial and smooth muscle cells were observed to strongly adhere and proliferate on the matrix. A perfusion bioreactor was used for the controlled cultivation of human fibroblast cells. Cells were seeded onto collagen sheets and transferred to the bioreactor, where they were maintained for up to three weeks.