# Unraveling the Potential of Chondrosia reniformis Collagen for Tissue Engineering Scaffolds, with Particular Insights into Chondrogenic Differentiation

## TL;DR

This study explores the use of collagen from a marine sponge to create scaffolds that support cell growth and cartilage development for tissue engineering.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel marine collagen source and evaluates its cross-linking methods for tissue engineering applications.

## Key findings

- Genipin-cross-linked scaffolds showed larger pore sizes and better cell proliferation.
- Human adipose stem cells exhibited early chondrogenic differentiation on the scaffolds.
- C. reniformis collagen is a promising material for cartilage regeneration.

## Abstract

Evaluating the biomedical potential of marine biopolymers
is a
promising strategy for their high-value application. This study investigated
the ability of collagen derived from Chondrosia reniformis to support cell proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation,
assessing its suitability for tissue regeneration. Collagen was isolated,
preserving its fibrillar structure and glycosylation features, then
cross-linked with EDC, genipin, or glutaraldehyde to produce freeze-dried
scaffolds. The resulting structures were characterized in terms of
physicochemical properties, morphology, degradation, rheology, and
cytocompatibility. While all scaffolds showed comparable degradation
and rheological behavior, genipin-cross-linked scaffolds exhibited
larger pore sizes, whereas glutaraldehyde-cross-linked scaffolds showed
higher water uptake. In vitro assays using ATDC5,
BJ, and EA.hy926 cell lines demonstrated superior metabolic activity
and proliferation on genipin-cross-linked scaffolds. Additionally,
human adipose stem cells displayed early chondrogenic differentiation,
evidenced by SOX9, ACAN, and COMP expression under basal conditions. These findings highlight
the versatility of C. reniformis collagen
for biomedical applications, particularly cartilage regeneration.