A molecularly defined array based on native fibrillar collagen for the assessment of skin tissue engineering biomaterials

Large-scale in vivo evaluation of biomaterials is time-consuming and limited by ethical considerations. The availability of a library of biomaterials would allow a fast and rational in vitro selection of those biomaterials to be evaluated in vivo. For this reason, we developed an array of 48 different, molecularly-defined films based on native fibrillar collagen. The films differed in the type and amount of extracellular matrix components (type I/IV collagens, fibrous/solubilised elastin, glycosaminoglycans, heparin, chondroitin sulfate or dermatan sulfate), method of preparation (homogenisation) and method and extent of crosslinking (carbodiimide (EDC/NHS) or glutaraldehyde). The array was evaluated by studying morphology, proliferation and differentiation of primary human keratinocytes/fibroblasts. Major differences were observed. Only a small selection of films (especially those containing elastin fibres) specifically stimulated the proliferation of keratinocytes, but not fibroblasts. Such films may be the biomaterials of choice for in vivo evaluation for skin tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.