Login to Access Video or Poster Abstract: MP26-03
Sources of Funding: Southwest Research Institute®; Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine; Biotextiles

Introduction

We hypothesize that biotextile graft devices of fabricated collagen-based nanoparticles share similar properties to autografts in promoting functional tissue repair and regeneration not typically seen with xenografts, allografts or synthetic mesh. The specific aim of this project was to prepare and evaluate electrochemically aligned (ECA) collagen-based biotextile graft substitutes for use in urinary incontinence sling and pelvic reconstructive surgery.

Methods

Lyophilized graft sheets of fabricated biotextiles from dialyzed collagen were created by controlled molecular assembly using planar ECA that moves proteins in a pH gradient produced by the electrolysis of water. In-vitro testing of ECA collagen-based grafts consisted of fracture stress determination, moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), oxygen permeability, live/dead assay of seeded stem cells, and inverted fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results

ECA collagen-based manufactured sheets of grafts are transparent and thin. These pure collagen grafts had a layered structure with nearly 30mm collagen fibril diameter, a fracture stress 8.23 times greater than heat-gelation controls, a high MVTR and excellent oxygen permeability. Stem cells proliferated well and were almost confluent on the collagen graft after 72 hours (see figure A: Fluorescence imaging reveals cytoskeleton and nuclei of stem cells extending along the fiber direction due to the alignment of collagen fibers).

Conclusions

Our proprietary ECA process produces transparent but densely packed, robust, fascial-like collagen structures in large, thin sheet formats designed to include other biological relevant nanoparticles. Based on characterization of the ECA matrix by biomimetic analyses, this novel collagen-based biotextile may serve as a promising pelvic fascial substitute material for slings and reconstructive surgery. These findings support further experimentation of adding other nano-particles and cross-linking manufacturing steps to further enhance the balance between additional biomechanical and biocompatibility features.

Funding

Southwest Research Institute®; Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine; Biotextiles