Surface characterization of collagen/elastin based biomaterials for tissue regeneration

It was found that the surface of collagen/elastin film is enriched in less polar component - collagen. Exposition on UV light increases polarity of collagen/elastin based films, due to photooxidation process. The AFM images have shown that topography and roughness of the materials had been also affected by UV-irradiation. The changes in surface properties influence on interaction between the material's surface and cells. The investigation of 3T3 cells grown on films based on collagen, elastin and their blends, leads to the conclusion that higher content of elastin in biomaterial promotes the cell adhesion and their viability on the surface. Also the suitable dose of UV light (1, 2 h) improves the biocompatibility of the materials.