Preparation of collagen-glycosaminoglycan sponges with open surface porous structures using ice particulate template method.

Funnel-like sponges of collagen incorporated with glycosaminoglycan (GAG) were prepared by freeze-drying using ice particulates as templates. The funnel-like collagen-GAG sponges showed similar porous structures to those of funnel-like collagen sponges. The funnel-like collagen-GAG and collagen sponges have one top surface layer and one bulk porous layer. The large, top surface pores were determined by ice particulates that were used as templates, and the inner bulk pores were determined by freezing temperature. The funnel-like pore structures facilitated homogenous cell distribution, improved cell viability, and resulted in homogenous tissue formation. Incorporation of GAG increased the mechanical property and cell viability of collagen sponges.