Application of marine collagen–based scaffolds in bone tissue engineering

Abstract

Collagen is one of the important extracellular matrix (ECM) biomacromolecules that have been under extensive exploration for the past several decades. Besides its characteristic mechanical, hemostatic, and cell-binding properties, collagen has good biological compatibility toward the physiobiological systems and can be degraded into physiologically tolerable compounds (Song et al. 2006). Numerous innovations occurred in the field of collagen-based biomaterials ranging from injectable collagen solutions to bone regeneration scaffolds. Multiple cross-linking patterns within the collagens as well as with other biopolymers were explored in order to improve the generation of tissue and its function. The easy availability and high versatility, compatibility, and degradability are advantageous factors for utilizing collagens in the preparation of biomimetic scaffolds for tissue engineering applications (Parenteau-Bareil et al. 2010). The properties of collagen to be used in scaffold preparation further include osteocompatibility; minimal potential for antigenicity after removal of telopeptides; adhesiveness and cohesiveness; being fibrous but nonfriable; fibers appear to become incorporated into the new tissue matrix; suturable; high porosity gives space for neohistogenesis; can be combined with other materials; medium can be perfused; and fluid pressure can be transduced (Glowacki and Mizuno 2008).