Characterization of Gels Composed of Blends of Collagen I, Collagen III, and Chondroitin Sulfate

• Published in: Biomacromolecules Vol. 10; no. 1; pp. 25 - 31
• Main Authors: Stuart, Kate, Panitch, Alyssa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 12.01.2009
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Binding Sites; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Biological and medical sciences; Chondroitin Sulfates - chemistry; Collagen Type I - chemistry; Collagen Type III - chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; Gels - chemistry; Glycosaminoglycans - chemistry; Medical sciences; Natural polymers; Particle Size; Physicochemistry of polymers; Proteins; Rheology; Starch and polysaccharides; Surface Properties; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Technology. Biomaterials. Equipments; Viscoelasticity; Composition effect; Fibrillar structure; Collagen type III; Experimental study; Dimension spectrum; Protein; Polyelectrolyte; Collagen type I; Morphology; Oside polymer; Chondroitin sulfate; Hydrogel; Lattice structure
• ISSN: 1525-7797; 1526-4602
• DOI: 10.1021/bm800888u

Type I collagen is explored heavily for use in biomaterials, but the role of other extracellular matrix components in regulating collagen organization is gaining attention. We show that as the ratio of type III to type I collagen increases, fibril diameter decreases. A mixture of the two collagen types results in a more open structural network, corresponding to a more compliant material, as compared to a material composed of only one collagen type. Glycosaminoglycans also affect collagen organization and tissue properties. We show that chondroitin sulfate decreases the collagen fibril diameter. Additionally, chondroitin sulfate (CS) increases the void space of a collagen I or collagen III gel, resulting in a more compliant material, but the interactions between types I and III collagen negate the effects of CS. The simple combination of these components results in materials with unique structural, mechanical, and biological cues that can be useful in tailoring biomaterials for tissue engineering.