Cell collagen interaction in 3D networks: structural features and mechanical properties

Introduction: An attractive alternative to synthetic scaffolds is represented by reconstituted collagen gels populated by cells. Such devices possess noteworthy advantages since the collagen is one of the most important mammalian protein and the collagen gel itself constitutes an environment to host cells which is closer to the native one. Cell populated collagen gels have been successfully employed in tissue engineering applications, as well as model to study cell-collagen interaction in 3D constructs. However, in order to improve the physical/biological performance of the gels and to better understand cell/collagen interactions, quantitative relationships must be developed between the cell constructs and their mechanical properties. Aim of this work is to develop an experimental model to evaluate how cell reconfigure collagen gel and modify its mechanical behaviour.