System and method for a piezoelectric collagen scaffold
Inventors
Arinzeh, Treena • Jaffe, Michael • Rajabi, Amir Hossein
Assignees
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Publication Number
US-11617816-B2
Publication Date
2023-04-04
Expiration Date
2039-07-03
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Abstract
The present invention provides novel methods for poling piezoelectric materials, e.g., collagen, which are carried out in the absence of liquid media and at a relatively low temperature. The present invention also provides electroactive scaffolds comprising poled collagen for promoting cell growth and differentiation.
Core Innovation
The invention provides methods for poling piezoelectric materials, such as collagen, to prepare electroactive scaffolds that promote cell growth and differentiation. The poling process is conducted in the absence of liquid media and at relatively low temperatures, specifically about 80° C. or less, to induce or enhance piezoelectricity in naturally derived polymers. This results in materials with improved electroactivity suitable for tissue engineering applications.
The invention addresses the problem that processed collagenous products often have randomly arranged fibers, resulting in diminished or canceled out piezoelectricity. Piezoelectricity perpendicular to biomaterial surfaces has been shown to enhance cellular proliferation and differentiation, but conventional methods for poling require higher temperatures and liquid media that risk material degradation and contamination. The disclosed method uses controlled electric fields and avoids these issues, enabling effective poling of biocompatible and biodegradable collagen-based scaffolds.
The invention also introduces electroactive scaffolds comprising poled collagen or similar naturally derived polymers, which act as mechanoelectrical transducers. These scaffolds generate local electric fields in response to mechanical deformation, simulating natural extracellular matrix conditions and facilitating cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Electroactive scaffolds prepared by the methods of this invention can be used for promoting cell growth and tissue repair without the limitations of previously used synthetic or ceramic piezoelectric materials.
Claims Coverage
There is one independent claim that defines the main inventive features of the patent.
Preparing poled piezoelectric fibrous scaffold from naturally derived polymer at low temperature
The inventive feature centers on a method of preparing a scaffold comprising poled piezoelectric material by: - Exposing a scaffold comprising piezoelectric material to a constant electric field. - Performing the method at a temperature of about 80° C. or less. - Using a piezoelectric material that is a naturally derived polymer, such as collagen or similar biocompatible and/or biodegradable materials. - Ensuring the scaffold is a fibrous scaffold. This feature distinguishes the invention through the use of low temperature processing and naturally derived, fibrous scaffolds to achieve a poled piezoelectric effect.
The claim coverage is focused on a unique poling method for naturally derived, fibrous piezoelectric scaffolds at reduced temperatures to achieve enhanced electroactivity, particularly using biocompatible polymers such as collagen.
Stated Advantages
The method avoids the use of liquid media, reducing the risk of contamination in natural materials.
Poling is carried out at lower temperatures than conventional methods, preventing degradation of piezoelectric materials such as collagen.
Electroactive scaffolds comprising naturally derived polymers, such as collagen, are biocompatible, biodegradable, and mimic the piezoelectric behavior of natural tissues.
Scaffolds allow for electrical stimulation of cells without external power sources or batteries.
Documented Applications
Promoting growth, differentiation, and repair of cells and tissues using electroactive scaffolds.
Providing scaffolds for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation in tissue engineering, including for musculoskeletal connective tissues like bone and cartilage.
Promoting growth or differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and neural cells by seeding them on the electroactive scaffold.
Promoting tissue repair in a subject by administering the electroactive scaffold, potentially as part of an implant or graft.
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