Collagen Extraction and Purification for Scaffold 3D Printing Using Hyaluronic Acid and Chemical Crosslinking

Biodegradable scaffolds with three-dimensional porous structure are fundamental components for tissue engineering. Collagen is the main protein of the human extracellular matrix, its structure allows the union, migration and, in several cases, the differentiation of the cells. However, its use has been limited due to low processability with layer-by-layer technologies. Therefore, the present research focused on developing a simple and economical method for type 1 collagen purification from porcine skin using treatments with acidic and saline solutions. This process preserves the structure of the fibers, unlike enzymatic procedures normally used which denature the protein. An ink was prepared combining extracted collagen with hyaluronic acid, which allowed a homogenous extrusion through the bioprinter needle, and presented enough viscosity and stability for printing 3D scaffolds. Finally, these structures were lyophilized and chemically crosslinked to improve their physicochemical properties.