# Hydrogel Based on Decellularized Bovine Trabecular Extracellular Matrix Enriched with Type I Collagen

## TL;DR

This study creates a thermosensitive hydrogel from bovine bone and tendon materials, showing promise for bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

## Contribution

A novel thermosensitive hydrogel is developed using decellularized bovine trabecular ECM and type I collagen for tissue engineering.

## Key findings

- The hydrogel achieved 96.7% collagen and 109% glycosaminoglycan incorporation.
- SEM confirmed a porous, reticulated structure suitable for tissue engineering.
- Gelation occurred in approximately 50 minutes under controlled pH and temperature.

## Abstract

Biomaterials are increasingly important in addressing
the demand
for biomimetic, biocompatible, and biodegradable materials for tissue
replacement, treatment, or coexistence. Biocomposites enhance chemical
and mechanical properties, supporting biological integration and mechanical
stability at implantation sites. This study aimed to develop a thermosensitive
biocomposite hydrogel using a decellularized extracellular matrix
(ECM) from bovine trabecular bone and type I collagen from bovine
tendon. Tendon-derived collagen increased total collagen concentration,
improving cross-linking. Bovine bones were fragmented, decellularized,
lyophilized, and pulverized. Type I collagen was extracted from tendons
via solubilization in acetic acid, salt precipitation, and dialysis.
ECM digestion was conducted in 0.01 N HCl with pepsin (1:10 ratio)
at 37 °C for 96 h. The final collagen concentration was set at
10 mg/mL, with ECM-to-tendon collagen at a 1:10 ratio. Gelation was
induced by temperature and pH changes. The ECM-collagen solution was
neutralized (pH 7.0–7.6) using 0.1 M NaOH (1/10 digestion volume)
and 10× PBS (1/9 digestion volume) to form a pregel, which was
incubated at 37 °C for gelation. Gelation time, analyzed by turbidimetry
at 405 nm, showed completion in ∼50 min. Collagen incorporation
was 96.7%, while glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) incorporation reached 109%.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed a porous, reticulated
structure. These results indicate the successful incorporation of
bone ECM components, thermosensitivity, and potential for Tissue Engineering
and Regenerative Medicine applications in bone repair.