A simple apparatus and process to produce novel elastin biomaterials

Elastin is the extracellular matrix component responsible for elastic recoil of tissues such as blood vessels, lung, and skin. In our efforts to produce biomaterials for tissue repair, an apparatus and method for processing hot alkali derived porcine carotid elastin was developed. The apparatus and method was designed to remove water and condense the elastin fibrous network to improve mechanical strength and handling of NaOH extracted elastin. To achieve this, a sample holder and process was devised to cure elastin conduits in humidity, and temperature controlled environment in a nitrogen gas enriched atmosphere. Our efforts resulted in a novel biomaterial with significantly improved mechanical properties compared to non-cure processed, hot alkali isolated elastin.