23 Jul Tissue structure scaffolds
Abstract
A method of forming a scaffold comprising the preparing of a high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) by addition of an immiscible solvent to an aqueous solution comprising proteins selected from collagen and mixtures of collagen and chitosan, and a cross-linking agent; reducing the temperature of the HIPE to solidify the HIPE; removing water and solvent by vaporisation at a temperature above the melting point of the solvent to form a porous structure; and before or after removal of solvent, causing cross-linking of the protein with the cross linking agent to form a crosslinked scaffold structure. The cross-linking agent may be glutaraldehyde, genipin, carbodiimide, transglutaminase, chondroitin sulfate, dextran dialdehyde, bis(vinylsulfonyl)methane and hexamethylene diisocyanate. Preferably, the immiscible solvent is selected from toluene and methylated tetrahydrofuran. The scaffold may have a porosity of 70-95%. Also claimed is a three-dimensional tissue scaffold made by said method and comprising a protein selected from the group consisting of collagen and mixtures of collagen and chitosan, cross-linked with a cross-linking agent. The 3D porous tissue scaffold may be used as a prosthetic scaffold. The tissue scaffold may find application in tissue engineering for tissue and organ repair, giving support to cells during tissue growth.
Year: 2017
Country: GB
Doc No: 2549522