Further structural characterization of ovine forestomach matrix and multi-layered extracellular matrix composites for soft tissue repair
Matthew J. Smith, Sandi G. Dempsey, Robert W.F. Veale, Claudia G. Duston-Fursman, Chloe A F Rayner, Chettha Javanapong, Dane Gerneke, Shane G. Dowling, Brandon A. Bosque, Tanvi Karnik, Michael J Jerram, Arun Nagarajan, Ravinder Rajam, Alister T Jowsey, Samuel Cutajar, Isaac Mason, Roderick G. Stanley, Andrew Campbell, Jenny Malmström, Chris H. Miller, Barnaby C. H. May
Abstract
Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM)–based biomaterials are of great clinical utility in soft tissue repair applications due to their regenerative properties. Multi-layered dECM devices have been developed for clinical indications where additional thickness and biomechanical performance are required. However, traditional approaches to the fabrication of multi-layered dECM devices introduce additional laminating materials or chemical modifications of the dECM that may impair the biological functionality of the material. Using an established dECM biomaterial, ovine forestomach matrix, a novel method for the fabrication of multi-layered dECM constructs has been developed, where layers are bonded via a physical interlocking process without the need for additional bonding materials or detrimental chemical modification of the dECM. The versatility of the interlocking process has been demonstrated by incorporating a layer of hyaluronic acid to create a composite material with additional biological functionality. Interlocked composite devices including hyaluronic acid showed improved in vitro bioactivity and moisture retention properties.