Characterization of a microbial transglutaminase cross-linked type II collagen scaffold

Damien M. O Halloran, Russell Collighan, Martin Griffin, Abhay S. Pandit*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study investigated the effect on the mechanical and physicochemical properties of type II collagen scaffolds after cross-linking with microbial transglutaminase (mTGase). It is intended to develop a collagen-based scaffold to be used for the treatment of degenerated intervertebral discs. By measuring the amount of ε-(γ-glutamyl)lysine isodipeptide formed after cross-linking, it was determined that the optimal enzyme concentration was 0.005% (w/v). From the production of covalent bonds induced by mTGase cross-linking, the degradation resistance of type II collagen scaffolds can be enhanced. Rheological analysis revealed an almost sixfold increase in storage modulus (G') with 0.005% (w/v) mTGase cross-linked scaffolds (1.31 ± 0.03 kPa) compared to controls (0.21 ± 0.01 kPa). There was a significant reduction in the level of cell-mediated contraction of scaffolds with increased mTGase concentrations. Cell proliferation assays showed that mTGase cross-linked scaffolds exhibited similar cytocompatibility properties in comparison to non-cross-linked scaffolds. In summary, cross-linking type II collagen with mTGase imparted more desirable properties, making it more applicable for use as a scaffold in tissue engineering applications. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1467-1474
Number of pages8
JournalTissue Engineering
Volume12
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17 Jul 2006

Keywords

  • type II collagen scaffold
  • microbial transglutaminase
  • mTGase
  • degenerated intervertebral discs
  • epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl)lysine isodipeptide

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