Electrochemically assisted assembly of collagen membranes and collagen-calcium phosphate composite materials

Abstract

I have designed bioactive collagen-based materials using electrochemical synthesis methods. Preparation of these collagenous materials involves assembly of fibrils from collagen monomers; inorganic-protein composites can be formed by subsequent electrochemically induced precipitation of calcium phosphate minerals. These collagen-calcium phosphate composites are stiffer than the original collagen membranes. The electrochemically assisted mineral precipitation can yield several different calcium phosphate phases (including hydroxyapatite, brushite, or amorphous calcium phosphate) depending on electrolyte composition. Change in the electrolyte composition (by adding different ions), electrolyte p H or duration of the applied field produces membranes with a range of Young's moduli. Single particle tracking reveals that changing the electrolyte composition changes the internal pore structure of the formed collagen membrane. Biocompatibility studies show that cells grow very well on the electrochemically aggregated collagen membranes when they are used as a supportive matrix. Since a major portion of a cornea is made up of collagen, our collagen membranes may be useful as a matrix for artificial cornea applications.