| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T24: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Society for Biomaterials: Student Poster Contest + Rapid Fire
|
| Presentation Title |
C-18: Effects of Genipin Crosslinking on Collagen I Thin Films |
| Author(s) |
Tracy Wan, Cecilia Padilla, Keith Cook |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Tracy Wan |
| Abstract Scope |
A biofabricated lung is a possible long-term treatment alternative to lung transplantation for patients with chronic pulmonary disease. The device is composed of collagen I (COL-I) channels cellularized with endothelial cells on the blood side and epithelial cells on the air side to provide an anticoagulative surface and improve barrier function. Currently, the 10-50 μm thick COL-I channels lack the mechanical strength to withstand rough handling, but this may be improved by genipin crosslinking. Here, we developed a protocol to perform uniaxial tensile testing on dehydrated COL-I thin films, investigating the genipin-induced changes. It was found that COL-I thin films crosslinked in 1 mM genipin solution had both a higher tensile strength and elastic modulus compared to the control group. The crosslinked COL-I also exhibited better adhesive properties to other surfaces. Thus, genipin crosslinking could prevent channel breakage and increase the durability of COL-I as a building material. |