Mechanical and Biochemical Comparison of Cell-Derived Matrix, Collagen Gels, and Fibrin Gels for Tissue Engineering Applications

Cell-seeded collagen and fibrin gels have been used extensively as in vitro wound healing models and for studying tissue remodeling. The have also been utilized as replacements for lost or damaged connective tissue [1]. The major drawback of these gel-based living tissue equivalents (LTEs) for tissue engineering applications is that they are not completely synthesized and arranged by the cells themselves, thus they are weak relative to native connective tissue.