Abstract
Scaffold mechanical properties are essential in regulating the microenvironment of three-dimensional cell culture. A coupled fiber-matrix numerical model was developed in this work for predicting the mechanical response of collagen scaffolds subjected to various levels of non-enzymatic glycation and collagen concentrations. The scaffold was simulated by a Voronoi network embedded in a matrix. The computational model was validated using published experimental data. Results indicate that both non-enzymatic glycation-induced matrix stiffening and fiber network density, as regulated by collagen concentration, influence scaffold behavior. The heterogeneous stress patterns of the scaffold were induced by the interfacial mechanics between the collagen fiber network and the matrix. The knowledge obtained in this work could help to fine-tune the mechanical properties of collagen scaffolds for improved tissue regeneration applications.
Highlights
Three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds are commonly used as microenvironments for regulating cellular functions and supporting tissue regeneration in vitro as well as in vivo [1,2]
The knowledge obtained in this work could help to fine-tune the mechanical properties of collagen scaffolds for controlling cellular functions and lead to better tissue regeneration
A coupled fiber-matrix numerical model was developed to predict the mechanical response of collagen scaffolds subjected to various levels of non-enzymatic glycation and collagen concentrations
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds are commonly used as microenvironments for regulating cellular functions and supporting tissue regeneration in vitro as well as in vivo [1,2]. Their mechanical characteristics have been acknowledged as important factors in cell functions including growth, migration, proliferation, and apoptosis [3]. Numerous hydrogel systems have been utilized for 3D cell culture to better understand the role of scaffold mechanics in mediating cell behavior within certain environments [5,6,7]. It remains difficult to tune individual scaffold properties without altering the microstructure of the scaffold
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