Collagen extraction and purification for scaffold 3D printing using hyaluronic acid and chemical crosslinking

PABLO A. FERNÁNDEZ; ROMINA COMÍN; MARÍA VICTORIA CÁCERES; NANCY A. SALVATIERRA; MARIANA P. CID

IFMBE PROCEEDINGS

Springer

Año: 2023

1680-0737

Biodegradable scaffolds with three-dimensional porous structure arefundamental components for tissue engineering. Collagen is the main protein ofthe human extracellular matrix, its structure allows the union, migration and, inseveral cases, the differentiation of the cells. However, its use has been limiteddue to low processability with layer-by-layer technologies. Therefore, the presentresearch focused on developing a simple and economical method for type 1collagen purification from porcine skin using treatments with acidic and salinesolutions. This process preserves the structure of the fibers, unlike enzymaticprocedures normally used which denature the protein. An ink was preparedcombining extracted collagen with hyaluronic acid, which allowed a homogenousextrusion through the bioprinter needle, and presented enough viscosity andstability for printing 3D scaffolds. Finally, these structures were lyophilized andchemically crosslinked to improve their physicochemical properties