Novel 3D biomaterials for tissue engineering based on collagen and macroporous ceramics

In this study, different collagen and ceramic based materials were characterized concerning their mechanical and biocompatible properties. Therefore, they were tested in static and dynamic cultivation using human mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue. Zirconia based macroporous ceramic materials with different BET surface areas (Sponceram (R) 30/90, Sponceram (R) 30/145) and surface coatings (Hydroxyapatit, Titandioxide: Sponceram (R)/HA, Sponceram (R)/Ti) were mechanically evaluated regarding their maximal tension, maximal deformation and their penneability. The maximal tension and maximal deformation of the different ceramic materials were comparable though the permeability of the uncoated ceramic with the largest BET surface area (Sponceram (R) 30/90) was significantly increased compared to the other ceramics. A porous collagen matrix (Matristypt (R)) and a porous collagen-elastin-matrix (Matriderm (R)) were similarly evaluated concerning their maximal tension and maximal deformation and compared with decellularized skin. The maximal deformations of the porous collagen materials were comparable but significantly increased compared to decellularized skin. The maximal tension of the porous matrices was five times lower than the maximal tension of decellularized skin. For the evaluation for cell culture applications, Sponceram (R), Sponceram (R)/HA and two collagen meshes (Matristypt (R), Matriderm (R)) were seeded with human mesenchymal stein cells. Sponceram (R) was compared to beta-Tricalciumphosphate. The scaffolds were cultivated under static conditions over a time period of 14 days or 21 days respectively. The cell proliferation was examined in regular intervals using MTT assay. The cells growing on the collagen-elastin matrix showed increased proliferation in comparison to the cells grown on the pure collagen matrix. The ceramic materials tested statically in cell culture (Sponceram (R), Sponceram (R)/HA) did not show different influence on the proliferation of seeded cells but it was increased compared to the proliferation of the cells seeded on beta-Tricalciumphosophate. In a rotating bed bioreactor system (Z (R) RP system, Zellwerk GmbH) the human mesenchymal stem cells were cultured under dynamic conditions on Sponceram (R) over a time period of 47 days using osteogenic differentiation medium. Continuous increasing glucose consumption and lactate production gives evidence of good cell proliferation. After cultivation, the Sponceram (R) discs were stained with von kossa and alizarin red which showed matrix calcification. In summary, the tested collagen- and ceramic materials are applicable for the cell culture applications whereas the ceramic materials are presenting a promising approach for bone tissue engineering implementations.