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Practical Applications of Collagen-Based Scaffolds for Use in Tissue Engineering and Regeneration

Fullana, Matthew J
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1413809286

Abstract Details

, Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, Macromolecular Science and Engineering.
Collagen scaffolds have played an integral role in helping to regenerate damaged or diseased tissue and while extensive research has been performed on the most prevalent protein in the human body, there are many aspects of this unique and complex molecule which are still not fully understood. This research aims to investigate the interaction of a benign solvent system on type I collagen and explore the potential applications derived from a single, multi-purpose solution which is aqueous, salt-rich, and prepared at physiological pH. Electrospun scaffolds were prepared and tested in a murine model to examine the effects of crosslinked collagen on acute wounds, which found that while non-crosslinked collagen scaffolds do improve wound closure compared to untreated wounds, crosslinked collagen scaffolds provide an essential matrix that can reduce the occurrence of contractile healing in favor of tissue regeneration. To improve upon electrospun collagen scaffolds, collagen gels produced from the same electrospinning solution were discovered and remain water stable for over 138 days, exceeding the stability of chemically crosslinked gels and is devoid of any crosslinking compounds, addressing concerns surrounding the use of crosslinking agents. Most interestingly, this gel regains 60.3% of the a-helical structure present in the starting collagen, which is lost during the solution phase. This gel has potential applications as a wound healing agent, a dermal filler, and a collagen-rich bone growth matrix, among others. In addition, a precursor to these collagen gels can behave as a bioadhesive and may have utility as a means for repairing damaged bone. Unfortunately, the low modulus of these gels remains a disadvantage. Cellulose nanowhiskers containing a high aspect ratio were derived from Chara algae, a nuisance product and a low-cost, sustainable source of cellulose. Bacterial cellulose is currently in use as a biomedical device for the treatment of moderate-to-severe burns and the possibility of including algal cellulose in collagen gels as a reinforcing material may also improve their ability to manage wound exudates, maintain proper wound bed moisture, and facilitate cellular infiltration, which is all necessary to help regenerate damaged tissue.
Gary Wnek (Committee Chair)
David Schiraldi (Committee Member)
Alex Jamieson (Committee Member)
Minh Lam (Committee Member)
Biomedical Engineering; Biomedical Research; Polymers

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Citations

  • Fullana, M. J. (2014). Practical Applications of Collagen-Based Scaffolds for Use in Tissue Engineering and Regeneration [Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1413809286

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Fullana, Matthew. Practical Applications of Collagen-Based Scaffolds for Use in Tissue Engineering and Regeneration. 2014. Case Western Reserve University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1413809286.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Fullana, Matthew. "Practical Applications of Collagen-Based Scaffolds for Use in Tissue Engineering and Regeneration." Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1413809286

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

case1413809286
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© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies and OhioLINK.