Microstructure, local viscoelasticity and cell culture suitability of 3D hybrid HA/collagen scaffolds

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207397
• Publication Date: 2018-12-19T18:26:21Z
• Authors: Johanna Roether; Sarah Bertels; Claude Oelschlaeger; Martin Bastmeyer; Norbert Willenbacher
• Keywords: Microrheology; Elasticity; Biocompatibility

As mechanical properties of cell culture substrates matter, methods for characterization scaffolds on a relevant length scale are required. We used multiple particle tracking microrheology to close the gap between elasticity determined from bulk measurements and elastic sensed by cells. Structure macroporous, three-dimensional cryogel mixtures hyaluronic acid (HA) collagen (Coll) were characterized. Both one-component gels formed homogeneous networks, whereas hybrid heterogeneous in terms elasticity. Most strikingly, local moduli significantly lower than presumably due non-equilibrium chain conformations crosslinks. This was more pronounced Coll pure HA gels. Local similar all gels, irrespective their different swelling ratio moduli. Fibroblast proved biocompatibility investigated compositions. containing enabled migration, adhesion proliferation inside