Viscoelastic models of Collagen hydrogels scaffolds used in vascular tissue engineering

B. DROUIN; R. GAGNON; J. LACOMBE; R. M. IRASTORZA; D. MANTOVANI

Boston

Congreso; The World Congress of Biomechanic; 2014

World Council of Biomechanics

In Tissue Engineering, one of the challenges is to have bioreactors that reliably and reproducibly form tissues that can sustain function in vivo. One key factor in achieving this objective is to monitor the mechanical properties by non invasive evaluation techniques [Walker et al.]. In addition, the time spent by constructs within bioreactors can and must be reduced by optimization of the processes [Couet et al.]. To achieve both of these objectives, one needs a very precise understanding of viscoelastic models of the scaffolds materials. In our laboratory, vascular tissue engineering is based on the use of collagen scaffolds hydrogels. While collagen exhibits very good biological properties, the viscoelastic nature of its mechanical response to strain or stress solicitations and its very low elastic modulus (~500 Pa) make them difficult to use. This paper will present the study of the evolution of the viscoelastic models as the strain in relaxation tests is increased and will propose an easy to use tool to anticipate the behavior of these hydrogels in dynamic solicitation as encountered in bioreactors and in mechano-biology experiments.