Optimizing the combined soft tissue repair and osteogenesis using double surfaces of crosslinked collagen scaffolds

This study determined whether the double surfaces of crosslinked collagen scaffolds could optimize the combined soft tissue repair and osteogenesis. In this study, we applied the chemically crosslinking treatment to the commercially available collagen scaffolds. Surface characterization, mechanical property and cell proliferation in vitro were evaluated. Combined bilateral skin and bone defects were established with the smooth surface of scaffold facing the skin defect and the rough surface facing the bone defect on the calvaria of rat. Micro-CT and histological evaluation were applied to determine the scaffold degradation pattern, soft tissue repair and osteogenesis. The crosslinked collagen scaffolds showed comparably favorable surface porosity, structure intactness, superhydrophilicity and mechanical properties. Compared to the native scaffolds, the crosslinked scaffolds could optimize the combined soft tissue repair and osteogenesis by preferably prolonged degradation time. Early pro-angiogenesis facilitated soft tissue repair and osteogenesis by upregulated soft tissue matrix degradation and balanced pro-osteogenesis with limited osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Taken together, this study offers a promising repair strategy for the combined soft tissue and bone defects. Further, the possible mechanism of controllable scaffold degradation should be conducted.

Source: Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials - February 14, 2023 Category: Materials Science Authors: Zhengchuan Zhang, Qifen He, Jinhao Zhu, Xiaoxuan Lin, Yang Yang, Hongcheng Chen, Xiaoqiong Huang, Ruogu Xu, Feilong Deng Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research