Collagen hybridization with poly(L-lactic acid) braid promotes ligament cell migration

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cellular response to a poly(L- lactic acid) (PLLA)-collagen hybrid scaffold for ligament regeneration base d on tissue engineering. A three-dimensional (four-axis) braid with a diame ter of 2.5 mm was made from PLLA filaments. The braid was further hybridize d with bovine type I collagen to prepare the PLLA-collagen hybrid braid. Ce llular responses of ligament cells to the PLLA and PLLA-collagen hybrid bra ids were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. More cells and more homogeneo us cell distribution were observed in vitro in the hybrid braid than in the PLLA braid. More fibroblast immigration and neo-angiogenesis were detected in the hybrid braid than in the PLLA braid when implanted on ruptured medi al collateral ligament (MCL). Hybridization with colla-en facilitated cell seeding and spatial cell distribution, and promoted cell immigration and ne o-angiogenesis. The hybrid braid would be useful for ligament tissue engine ering. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.