Biosynthesis of tailor made collagen for tissue engineering

Abstract

The global demand for extracellular matrix analogs and medical implant devices has increased the market value of biomaterials. Biomaterials are made from metals, polymers, ceramics, and natural sources. It should mimic the intact extracellular matrix functions by providing structural support, enhancing cell proliferation and differentiation to repair the damaged tissues, and integrate the medical implants into the human body for proper functioning. However, the building blocks of those materials determine the structural and functional properties of biomaterials. In that case, the biomaterials made by other than natural sources are inert, and it doesn t have an effective cell signaling mechanism reported in the proliferation and differentiation of cells. The natural source of biomaterials is mainly based on extracellular matrix protein polymers like collagen, elastin, keratin, silk protein, proteoglycans, etc. In particular, collagen is the choice of protein for making biomaterials in medical, dental and pharmacology due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. newlineCollagen plays a critical role in the extracellular matrix (ECM) structural design and cell signaling in mammals, making it one of the most promising biomaterials with versatile applications. However, there is considerable concern regarding the purity and predictability of the product performance. At present, it is mainly derived as a mixture of collagen (different types) from animal tissues, where the selective enrichment of a particular type of collagen is generally difficult and expensive. Collagen derived from bovine sources poses the risk of transmitting diseases and can cause adverse immunologic and inflammatory responses. newline