Oligomeric component affects collagen polymerization kinetics and potential

Jennifer Lynne Bailey, Purdue University

Abstract

The search is on for next generation engineered biomaterials that possess the cellular signaling potential and versatility of natural extracellular matrices. Collagen, a biopolymer native to the extracellular matrix, is prominent throughout the body and within the extracellular microenvironment making collagen-based constructs excellent options for biomedical applications. Current manipulation of 3D collagen matrices is limited to altering the reaction conditions during polymerization (e.g., pH and ionic strength), addition of secondary molecules (e.g., GAGs and collagen type III), and artificially crosslinking the collagen post-polymerization. However, collagen has an untapped element inherent in polymers, oligomeric content. To date, the natural crosslinks that compose these oligomers have been found to alter the mechanical properties in vivo. However, collagen oligomers in solution have never been controlled to predictably vary properties of reconstituted collagen matrices in vitro. This study aids our understanding of how the oligomer content, average molecular weight, and the oligomer composition can be used to control tunable design parameters of a 3D purified collagen matrix. Aim 1 of the study determined the relationship between the average molecular weight of the collagen solution and the polymerization kinetics and potential, the capacity of the polymer to be used in the design and development of engineered matrices that may be precision tuned in terms of composition and biophysical features. Aim 2 of the study determined the relationship between oligomer composition as varied by tissue source for collagen extraction and the polymerization kinetics and potential. Understanding how the oligomeric portion of the tissue-derived collagen affects properties of reconstituted constructs would allow for further control and precise engineering of the microstructural-mechanics and accordingly the design of biomimetic tissue constructs.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Voytik-Harbin, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Biomedical engineering

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