Development of Novel Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering by Flock Technology

Abstract

Flock technology is a method well known in the textile industry. Short fibers are applied almost vertically on a substrate, coated with a flocking adhesive. Until now, this technology has not been used in the field of biomaterials. Our aim was to use electrostatic flocking for fabricating a novel type of scaffolds for tissue engineering. This method offers the possibility to create matrices with anisotropic properties that have a high compressive strength despite high porosity. First, experiments were performed using a membrane made of mineralized collagen as substrate, gelatine as adhesive and polyamide flock fibers. Different kinds of cells were cultured in the scaffolds for up to six weeks. Using microscopic methods and biochemical analyses, we could demonstrate that cells adhered and proliferated well in this new type of scaffold. Therefore, we can summarize that flocking is a technology suitable for fabrication of scaffolds for cell cultivation and tissue engineering.