Physical analysis of collagen-GAG composite scaffolds for nucleus pulposus tissue regeneration

Abstract

In this study biomaterial scaffolds for regeneration of nucleus pulposus were developed by freeze drying slurries with different proportions of collagen II (CII), chondroitin-6-sulfate (CS), and hyaluronic acid (HA). The scaffolds were analyzed using biochemical assays to determine final composition. Chemically cross-linked scaffolds were analyzed to determine pore size and cross-link density. It was determined that every material type contained large enough pore size (275 gm) to seed nucleus pulposus cells and mesenchymal stem cells. The addition of CS to the scaffold increased pore size. It was also found that increasing levels of CS and HA resulted in lower cross-link density. These materials will be used next in In Vitro studies to determine their viability as regenerative tissue engineering constructs.