Physical and Mechanical Modifications of Collagen Microfibers Using Ethanol-Based Dehydrating Conditions

Abstract

This study describes novel and simple conditions for the fabrication of collagen microfibers with specific physical and mechanical properties, which can then be potentially applied as cell-based matrices. The microfibers are fabricated from collagen hydrogels, using various concentrations of ethanol, in ethanol?water solvents. At higher ethanol concentration, fibers exhibited increased uniformity of surface morphology, decreased diameter, and increased tensile strength. The morphology of cells on microfibers varies due to the surface morphology of microfibers but the microfibers fabricated under all conditions investigated show similar number of attached cells on the surface of fibers, and cells sustain their viability for 90 h.