Mechanisms and Microenvironment Investigation of Cellularized High Density Gradient Collagen Matrices via Densification.

ABSTRACT: Biological tissues and biomaterials are often defined by unique spatial gradients in physical properties that impart specialized function over hierarchical scales. The structure and organization of these materials forms continuous transitional gradients and discrete local microenvironments between adjacent (or within) tissues, and across matrix-cell boundaries, which can be difficult to replicate with common scaffold systems. Here, we studied the matrix densification of collagen leading to gradients in density, mechanical properties, and fibril morphology. High-density regions formed via a fluid pore pressure and flow-driven mechanism, with increased relative fibril density (10×), mechanical properties (20×, to 94.40±18.74kPa), and maximum fibril thickness (1.9×, to >1μm) compared t

SUBMITTER: Novak T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4917229 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature