Title :
A method for fabricating collagen membranes with microporous structure: applications in tissue engineering
Author :
Throm, Angela M. ; Pins, George D.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Biomed. Eng., Worcester Polytech. Inst., MA, USA
Abstract :
The goal of this project was to create membranes with a microporous architecture capable of supporting layers of cultured cells while preserving the molecular structure and mechanical integrity of the collagen. In this study, we investigated several methods for fabricating porous membranes and showed that porous collagen membranes could be formed using a combination of fibril formation, controlled drying, and freeze-drying. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses of these collagen membranes indicate that a microporous architecture was created by modulating the processing of the membrane. Ultimately, the ability to regulate porosity will lead to improved control in the overall performance of a tissue engineered construct.
Keywords :
biological tissues; biomechanics; biomedical materials; biomembranes; cellular biophysics; drying; molecular biophysics; molecular configurations; porous materials; proteins; scanning electron microscopy; biodegradable polymer membranes; cellular layers support; collagen membranes fabrication method; controlled drying; cultured cells; damaged tissue regeneration; fibril formation; freeze-drying; membrane processing modulation; microporous structure; molecular structure preservation; porosity regulation; porous membranes; scaffolds; tissue engineering; wound healing promotion; Biological materials; Biomembranes; Cells (biology); Lead; Pins; Polymer gels; Scanning electron microscopy; Solvents; Thermal degradation; Tissue engineering;
Conference_Titel :
Bioengineering Conference, 2003 IEEE 29th Annual, Proceedings of
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-7767-2
DOI :
10.1109/NEBC.2003.1216064
