Fiber alignment drives changes in architectural and mechanical features in collagen matrices

PLoS One. 2019 May 15;14(5):e0216537. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216537. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Aligned collagen architecture is a characteristic feature of the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) and has been shown to facilitate cancer metastasis using 3D in vitro models. Additional features of the ECM, such as pore size and stiffness, have also been shown to influence cellular behavior and are implicated in cancer progression. While there are several methods to produce aligned matrices to study the effect on cell behavior in vitro, it is unclear how the alignment itself may alter these other important features of the matrix. In this study, we have generated aligned collagen matrices and characterized their pore sizes and mechanical properties at the micro- and macro-scale. Our results indicate that collagen alignment can alter pore-size of matrices depending on the polymerization temperature of the collagen. Furthermore, alignment does not affect the macro-scale stiffness but alters the micro-scale stiffness in a temperature independent manner. Overall, these results describe the manifestation of confounding variables that arise due to alignment and the importance of fully characterizing biomaterials at both micro- and macro-scales.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Cell Movement
  • Disease Progression
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Extracellular Matrix / pathology*
  • Fibrillar Collagens / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism

Substances

  • Fibrillar Collagens