Elastin scaffolds

Chuang TH et al (2009) Polyphenol-stabilized tubular elastin scaffolds for tissue engineered vascular grafts. Tissue Eng Part A 15(10) 2837-2851... 

Initially, natural decellularized arterial (ECM) was previously used as a scaffold however, this material was found to form matrices too tight for cellular migration when seeded with cells (36). To create more porous scaffolds, pure elastin and pure collagen scaffolds derived from arterial ECM were generated. The elastin scaffolds exhibited 120 pm infiltration of fibroblast cells in vitro and in vivo models showed improved cell infiltration and repopulation of the scaffold... 

Berglund JD, Nerem RM and Sambanis A. Incorporation of intact elastin scaffolds in tissue-engineered collagen-based vascular grafts. Tissue Eng. 10 1526-1535,2004. 

Nettles DL, Haider MA, Chilkoti A et al (2010) Neural network analysis identifies scaffold properties necessary for in vitro chondrogenesis in elastin-like polypeptide biopolymer scaffolds. Tissue Eng A 16 11-20... 

Abstract Synthetic polymers and biopolymers are extensively used within the field of tissue engineering. Some common examples of these materials include polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, collagen, elastin, and various forms of polysaccharides. In terms of application, these materials are primarily used in the construction of scaffolds that aid in the local delivery of cells and growth factors, and in many cases fulfill a mechanical role in supporting physiologic loads that would otherwise be supported by a healthy tissue. In this review we will examine the development of scaffolds derived from biopolymers and their use with various cell types in the context of tissue engineering the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. 

Daamen WF et al (2003) Preparation and evaluation of molecularly-defined collagen-elastin-glycosaminoglycan scaffolds for tissue engineering. Biomaterials 24(22) 4001-4009... 

In developing elastic tissue, the microfibrils are the first components to appear in the extracellular matrix. They are then thought to act as a scaffold for deposition, orientation, and assembly of tropoelastin monomers. They are 10—12 nm in diameter, and lie adjacent to cells producing elastin and parallel to the long axis of the developing elastin fiber (Cleary, 1987). 

In mammals, 25% of the protein in the body is collagen it provides the scaffold that holds the entire body together. Movement is provided almost entirely by interactions of actin with myosin (making muscle) or of kinesin/dynein with microtubules (see also Chapter 21). Few animal materials have the chemical stability of cellulose probably only chitin (primarily in arthropods and fungi, but also part of the metabolic pathway of other animals including man) and elastin. 

Enzymes, such as creatine kinase, have been grafted on to collagen films by using water soluble carbodiimides. Porcine intestinal collagen has been crosslinked with EDC in acetone to provide a remodelable scaffold. EDC crosslinking of collagen/elastin matrices is also used to prepare fiat scaffolds. ... 

Li M et al (2006) Co-electrospun poly(lactide-co-glycolide), gelatin, and elastin blends for tissue engineering scaffolds. J Biomed Mater Res A 79A(4) 963-973 Kenawy el R et al (2002) Release of leliacycline hydrochloride from electrospun poly (ethylene-co-vinylacetate), poly(lactic acid), and a blend. J Control Release 81(l-2) 57-64... 

Despite the success of these scaffolds, calcification remained problematic after implantation. To address this limitation, the rate of calcification could be altered depending on the mode of elastin purification and formation (38),... 

Cheng, S. X Chen, Z. R and Chen, G. Q. Xhe expression of cross-linked elastin by rabbit blood vessel smooth muscle cells cultured in polyhydroxyalkanoate scaffolds. Biomater. 2008, 29(31), 4187- 194. 

Modified electrospray techniques have been used to produce polymer meshes for tissue scaffolds that have nanometer-scale fibers. This process involves injecting a polymer solution through a charged needle onto a substrate some distance away from the injection point. A mat of material can be made in varying thicknesses, and this mat can be cut or molded into the desired shape. Scaffolds of nanoscale fibers have been formed from poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide [50], coUagen and elastin [51], and poly(D,L-lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) [52]. 

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