Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
previously described [40]. Figure 10 shows that e-BC gel was completely digested for 24 h as
well as the e-SC gel. The e-BC gel degraded slightly later than the e-SC gel. This may be due
to the low denaturation temperature of SC (19ºC). The physiological concentration range of
collagenase is approximately 1 U/ml [41], therefore, the e-BC gels might show the slow
degradation profile
in vivo
than the
in vitro
results. Additionally, e-SC gel gradually
degrades 1 month after implantation in rat subcutaneous pouches [16], e-BC gel, therefore,
would show the same or later biodegradation profile
in vivo
.
Fig. 9. SEM images of HUVECs cultured on e-BC gel for 1d (a) and 5d (b). Bars: 50 μm.
Fig. 10. In vitro degradation rate of e-BC gel and e-SC gel in collagenase solution. Values are
mean ± SD (n=4).
