Characterisation of collagen-derived biomaterials

Abstract

One of the main problems in healthcare is the loss or failure of organs or tissues resulting from diseases, post-surgery complications, trauma or organ failure. As a result of tissue and organ shortage, there is a need for biomaterials designed to promote tissue regeneration resulting in good quality repair of tissues or organs, to maintain or repair biological function. Collagen, as one of the main proteins in the human body, has been extensively used in the development of biomaterials which can be used as tissue substitutes or can assist in tissue regeneration. Before commercialisation is allowed all biomaterials must prove to be functional and suitable for clinical use. Therefore, the evaluation of biomaterials requires rigorous and relevant testing. Biomaterials must be able to perform with an appropriate host response in a specific application. Tests must provide information to understand the host response, long-term outcome and issues pertaining to these. In the research reported in this thesis, an acellular porcine derived cross-linked collagen-based biomaterial (Permacol surgical implant) was analysed with a wide range of evaluation and compared to acellular noncross-linked and cellular, naturally cross-linked, equivalents. These matrices were characterized relating to their structure, composition and mechanical and biochemical properties. In addition, biological characterisation was performed through several studies designed to evaluate and compare biological responses in vitro, as well as in situ assessment of biocompatibility and effectiveness as a repair material and as bulking tissue. Permacol surgical implant was shown to be biocompatible, effective and efficient when used as bulking tissue and for soft tissue repair; furthermore, this biomaterial was resistant to enzymatic digestion and tolerant to bacterial presence suggesting that it could be used in some complicated clinical situations.