Collagen obtaining for 3D printing to create biological substitutes for biomedical applications

ADRAGNA CELESTE; JURCZYSZYN SANTIAGO; COMIN ROMINA; DIAZ NOCERA ADEN; SALVATIERRA NANCY; CID MARIANA

Congreso; XXI Congreso Argentino de Bioingeniería; 2017

Abstract?Biodegradable scaffolds with three-dimensional porous structure are fundamentalcomponents for tissue engineering, on which cell cultures are grown to create biologicalsubstitutes that restore or repair tissue or organ damage. Collagen is the main protein of thehuman extracellular matrix, its structure allows the union, migration and in several cases, celldifferentiation; leading it to be one of the most studied material for the development ofbiomedical scaffolds. However, its use to fabricate reproducible and pore-structure-controlled 3Dstructures, which are designed to stimulate cell adhesion and subsequent migration, and the easydiffusion of nutrients, has been limited due to its low processability by the means of layer-by-layertechnologies. In the present, we propose three-dimensional impression for obtaining highlyporous collagen scaffolds for biomedical use.A simple and economical method is developed for collagen purification starting from porcine skinthrough treatments with acidic and salt solutions, which preserve the structure of the fibers unlikenormally used enzymatic procedures which denature the protein. Characterization andquantification through spectrophotometry and denaturing electrophoresis allowed to verify theeffectiveness of this method for obtaining highly pure type I collagen; and rheometric studiesindicated the viscosity of the material was suitable for 3D printing applications. A collagen bioinkwas prepared, which presented appropriated viscosity and stability for printing complex-structured 3D scaffolds with an extrusion bioprinter. A physical characterization of the printedscaffolds was performed through porosity and water swelling assays and cytocompatibilityaccording to the ISO Standard 10993, part 5-2009, indicating that they aren?t cytotoxic, as it isshow in this work. This leaves the door open for subsequent studies oriented to cell cultureexperiments and in vivo analysis with the collagen printed scaffolds.Index Terms? Colágeno, Impresión 3D, Ingeniería de tejidos, Andamio, Caracterización, PielPorcina.