Dense fibrillar collagen matrices for tissue repair

Abstract

The preparation of dense fibrillar collagen matrices, through a sol/gel transition at variable concentrations, offers routes to produce a range of simple, non toxic materials. Concentrated hydrogels entrapping cells show enhanced properties in terms of reduced contraction and enhanced cell proliferation. Dense fibrillar matrices attain tissue like mechanical properties and show ultrastructures described in connective tissues, namely liquid crystalline cholesteric geometries. Their colonization by cells and possible association with a mineral phase in a tissue like manner validate their use as biomimetic materials for regenerative medicine.