Electrospun Collagen Variability Characterized by Tensile Testing

Abstract

The objective of this study was to verify repeatability of the preparation process of the collagen nanofibrous layers. The layers were fabricated by means of electrospinning. Constant conditions were held within the entire production process. It means that all samples were fabricated from collagen solution with the same chemical composition. Electrospinning conditions were also adjusted to have the same parameters, i.e. temperature, relative humidity, voltage and distance between electrodes. Finally, cross-linking procedure was also the same for all samples involved in the study. Elasticity of the material was assessed by means of uniaxial tensile test in a fully hydrated state of collagen samples. Internal structure of collagenous layers was studied by means of scanning electron microscopy. Although all technological conditions were held constant, mathematical modelling of the elastic behaviour revealed differences between samples. The results suggest that there is a certain variability of mechanical properties of electrospun hydrated collagen that is difficult to eliminate. By this fact, however, collagen is, to some extent, similar to biological tissue.