Plastic compression of hydrated collagen gels rapidly produces biomimetic scaffolds of improved mechanical properties. These
scaffolds can potentially be utilised as cell seeded systems for bone tissue engineering. This work investigated the influence
of multiple unconfined compression on the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of such systems. Single and double compressed
dense collagen matrices were produced and characterised for protein dry weight, morphology and mechanical strength. Compression
related maintenance of the seeded HOS TE85 cell line viability in relation to the extent of compression was evaluated up to
10 days in culture using the TUNEL assay. Fluorescence Live/Dead assay was conducted to examine overall cell survival and
morphology. Cell induced structural changes in the dense collagenous scaffolds were assessed by routine histology. The mechanical
properties of the cellular scaffolds were also evaluated as a function of time in culture.
It is clear that a single plastic compression step produced dense collagenous scaffolds capable of maintaining considerable
cell viability and function as signs of matrix remodeling, and maintenance of mechanical properties were evident. Such scaffolds
should therefore be further developed as systems for bone tissue regeneration.