Generation of spatially aligned collagen fiber networks through microtransfer molding.
Adv Healthc Mater
; 3(3): 367-74, 2014 Mar.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-24039146
ABSTRACT
The unique biomechanical properties of native tissue are governed by the organization and composition of integrated collagen and elastin networks. An approach for fabricating spatially aligned, fiber-reinforced composites with adjustable collagen fiber dimensions, layouts, and distribution within an elastin-like protein matrix yielding a biocomposite with controllable mechanical responses is reported. Microtransfer molding is employed for the fabrication of hollow and solid collagen fibers with straight or crimped fiber geometries. Collagen fibers (width 2-50 µm, thickness 300 nm to 3 µm) exhibit a Young's modulus of 126 ± 61 MPa and an ultimate tensile strength of 7 ± 3.2 MPa. As fiber networks within composite structures, straight fiber layouts display orthotropic responses with Young's modulus ranging from 0.95 ± 0.35 to 10.4 ± 0.5 MPa and tensile strength from 0.22 ± 0.08 to 0.87 ± 0.5 MPa with increasing fraction of collagen fibers (1-10%, v/v). In contrast, composites based on crimped fiber layouts exhibit strain-dependent stiffness with an increase in Young's modulus from 0.7 ± 0.14 MPa to 3.15 ± 0.49 MPa, at a specific transition strain. Through controlling the microstructure of engineered collagen fiber networks, a facile means is established to control macroscale mechanical responses of composite protein-based materials.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Biocompatible Materials
/
Collagen
/
Extracellular Matrix
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Adv Healthc Mater
Year:
2014
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States