Abstract
Circumferential orientation of collagen fibrils in a media-equivalent (ME) is achieved in a simple and effective way using the orientating effects of a strong magnetic field during collagen fibrillogenesis when the ME is first created. Circumferential orientation of the entrapped smooth muscle cells (SMC) is achieved subsequently via cell contact guidance, the induced SMC orientation along orientated fibrils. After describing the methods used, several lines of evidence are provided showing that the magnetically orientated ME is circumferentially orientated, including collagen birefringence, circumferential SMC orientation, accelerated ME compaction and increased ME stiffness with reduced creep in the circumferential direction as compared to control MEs not exposed to a magnetic field during fibrillogenesis. The optimization of these methods is discussed in order to better mimic the circumferential orientation and mechanical properties of a natural medium. Other applications of magnetically orientated tissue-equivalents are indicated.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 349-357 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Biomaterials |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 1996 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This research has been supported by a National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigator Award (BCS-8957736) to RTT. Valuable technical assistance by Stefano Guido, Tim Johnson and Joe Huebsch and use of the magnets in the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research are gratefully acknowledged.
Keywords
- Artery
- Collagen
- Magnetic
- Media
- Smooth muscle cell
- Tissue engineering