Self‐expandable tubular collagen implants

Collagen has been extensively used as a biomaterial, yet for tubular organ repair, synthetic polymers or metals (e.g., stents) are typically used. In this study, we report a novel type of tubular implant solely consisting of type I collagen, suitable to self‐expand in case of minimal invasive implantation. Potential benefits of this collagen scaffold over conventional materials include improved endothelialization, biodegradation over time, and possibilities to add bioactive components to the scaffold, such as anticoagulants. Implants were prepared by compression of porous scaffolds consisting of fibrillar type I collagen (1.0–2.0% (w/v)). By applying carbodiimide cross‐linking to the compressed scaffolds in their opened position, entropy‐driven shape memory was induced. The scaffolds were subsequently crimped and dried around a guidewire. Upon exposure to water, crimped scaffolds deployed within 15–60 s (depending on the collagen concentration used), thereby returning to the original opened form. The scaffolds were cytocompatible as assessed by cell culture with human primary vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Compression force required to compress the open scaffolds increased with collagen content from 16 to 32 mN for 1.0% to 2.0% (w/v) collagen scaffolds. In conclusion, we report the first self‐expandable tubular implant consisting of solely type I collagen that may have potential as a biological vascular implant.