Improvements in mechanical properties of collagen-based scaffolds for tissue engineering

As the most abundant extracellular matrix protein in the human body, collagen has been a popular biomaterial to prepare tissue engineering scaffolds. Unfortunately, collagen-only scaffolds do not possess adequate mechanical properties (modulus, strength) for in vitro handling and long-term cell culture. This paper reviews the improvements in the mechanical properties of collagen-based scaffolds using the gelation process and crosslinking agents. Effects of both chemical and physical crosslinking methods on scaffold mechanical properties are discussed along with the effects of wet versus dry testing conditions. Approaches involving the addition of polymer and ceramic additives in the collagen-based scaffolds forming composites to enhance their mechanical properties are also summarized.