Smith, M. J., S. G. Dempsey, R. W. Veale, C. G. Duston-Fursman, C. A. F. Rayner, C. Javanapong, D. Gerneke, S. G. Dowling, B. A. Bosque, T. Karnik, M. J. Jerram, A. Nagarajan, R. Rajam, A. Jowsey, S. Cutajar, I. Mason, R. G. Stanley, A. Campbell, J. Malmstrom, C. H. Miller and B. C. H. May (2021). “Further Structural Characterization of Ovine Forestomach Matrix and Multi-Layered Extracellular Matrix Composites for Soft Tissue Repair.” J Biomater Appl 36(6): 996-1010.

Date published

2021

DOI

10.1177/08853282211045770

Abstract

Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM)–based biomaterials are of great clinical utility in soft tissue repair applications due to their regenerative properties. Multi-layered dECM devices have been developed for clinical indications where additional thickness and biomechanical performance are required. However, traditional approaches to the fabrication of multi-layered dECM devices introduce additional laminating materials or chemical modifications of the dECM that may impair the biological functionality of the material. Using an established dECM biomaterial, ovine forestomach matrix, a novel method for the fabrication of multi-layered dECM constructs has been developed, where layers are bonded via a physical interlocking process without the need for additional bonding materials or detrimental chemical modification of the dECM. The versatility of the interlocking process has been demonstrated by incorporating a layer of hyaluronic acid to create a composite material with additional biological functionality. Interlocked composite devices including hyaluronic acid showed improved in vitro bioactivity and moisture retention properties.