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Smart biomaterials from protein-based composite nanofibres: Cell interaction with 3D-nanofibrous biopolymer scaffolds – a focus on mechanics

Subject Area Biomaterials
Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
Term from 2015 to 2022
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 267326782
 
Final Report Year 2023

Final Report Abstract

Cells are surrounded by a network of protein nanofibers that forms the extracellular matrix. When an injury occurs, a nanofibrous fibrin clot initially closes the wound to initiate tissue repair. Since there is a great need for new fibrous protein scaffolds with tailored functionality, we have developed different techniques to fabricate nanofibrous protein scaffolds under physiological in vitro conditions. Our key methods involve template-assisted extrusion and self-assembly of fibrinogen and collagen. These techniques enabled us to tailor the molecular composition, nanotopography and hierarchical arrangement of the resulting fibrous constructs. To study topography-related changes of cell growth, we introduced a new patterning process to prepare collagen and fibrinogen scaffolds with nanofibrous and planar topography in selected regions. Cell studies revealed that these topography variations induced changes in the fibroblast size, morphology and migration. When collagen nanofibers were used as modification on alumina nanopores, they improved fibroblast and keratinocyte adhesion and prevented penetration of E. Coli bacteria. When microporous alumina textiles were modified with collagen nanofibers, we observed a roll-up effect that resulted in free-standing collagen scaffolds that could become interesting for skin tissue engineering. With salt-induced self-assembly we introduced a novel routine to prepare fibrinogen nanofibers in vitro. Fiber assembly was accompanied by minor conformational changes, and the mechanical characteristics of self-assembled fibrinogen scaffolds were close to the range of native fibrin. Fibrinogen nanofibers were highly biocompatible with fibroblasts, keratinocytes and blood platelets, and no E. Coli bacteria could penetrate through the nanofibers. Depending on the substrate material, our process offered the unique ability to produce free-standing or immobilized fiber matrices. By upscaling the self-assembly process, nanofibrous fibrinogen scaffolds with dimensions in the centimeter range could be fabricated. These new fiber preparation methods have provided us with a versatile toolbox to study selected aspects of cell-material interactions in vitro and to develop new materials for regenerative medicine.

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