Affiliations: Tissue Engineering Centre, UKM Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Allied Health Science, UKM, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi Kajang, Malaysia | Ear, Nose & Throat Consultant Clinic, Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital, Ampang, Malaysia | Department of Physiology, Medical Faculty, UKM, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Professor Dr. Ruszymah Bt. Hj. Idrus, Head, Tissue Engineering Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel.: +603 91457669; Fax: +603 91457678; E-mails: ruszy@medic.ukm.my, ruszyidrus@gmail.com
Abstract: Earlier studies in our laboratory demonstrated that collagen extracted from ovine tendon is biocompatible towards human dermal fibroblast. To be able to use this collagen as a scaffold in skin tissue engineering, a mechanically stronger scaffold is required that can withstand manipulation before transplantation. This study was conducted to improve the mechanical strength of this collagen sponge using chemical crosslinkers, and evaluate their effect on physical, chemical and biocompatible properties. Collagen sponge was crosslinked with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and glutaraldehyde (GA). Tensile test, FTIR study and mercury porosimetry were used to evaluate mechanical properties, chemical property and porosity, respectively. MTT assay was performed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of crosslinked collagen sponge on human dermal fibroblasts. The FTIR study confirmed the successful crosslinking of collagen sponge. Crosslinking with EDC and GA significantly increased the mechanical strength of collagen sponge, with GA being more superior. Crosslinking of collagen sponge significantly reduced the porosity and the effect was predominant in GA-crosslinked collagen sponge. The GA-crosslinked collagen showed significantly lower, 60% cell viability towards human dermal fibroblasts compared to that of EDC-crosslinked collagen, 80% and non-crosslinked collagen, 100%. Although the mechanical strength was better when using GA but the more toxic effect on dermal fibroblast makes EDC a more suitable crosslinker for future skin tissue engineering.
Keywords: Tissue engineering, collagen, crosslinked, human dermal fibroblast
