BACKGROUND: Simple polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has limited ability to cell adhesion. There are not generally accepted studies on improved effects of collagen protein modified polyvinyl alcohol on cell adhesion and proliferation.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of PVA/type Ⅰ college (COL-Ⅰ) as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) scaffolds in tissue engineering.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The controlled observation experiment was performed at the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Medical College. Ji'nan University, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Guangzhou Institute of Trauma Surgery from August 2006 to October 2007.MATERIALS: COL-Ⅰ gel was produced by Guangzhou Institute of Trauma Surgery.METHODS: PVA filature was used to weave fascicular scaffolds. NIH-3T3 cell line and human ACL cells were in vitro incubated, amplified, and then implanted on the PVA/COL scaffolds.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The growth of NIH-3T3 cell line and human ACL cells on the PVA/COL scaffolds and the secretion of extracellular matrix were observed using scanning electron microscope. Cell compatibility of PVA/COL scaffolds was assessed. Mechanics characteristic of PVA/COL scaffolds was measured by using the electric. tensile force apparatus. Mechanical property of PVA/COL scaffolds was analyzed using the SPSS 11.5 software package.RESULTS: NIH-3T3 cell line and human ACL cells on the PVA/COL scaffolds adhered, proliferated, and secreted extracellular matrix. NIH-3T3 cell line highly grew compared with human ACL cells on the PVA/COL scaffolds. The adhered number of NIH-3T3 cell line and human ACL cells was significantly increased on the PVA/COL scaffolds. NIH-3T3 cell line and human ACL cells presented well morphology on the PVA/COL scaffolds. COL-Ⅰ could promote the secretion of extracellular matrix from NIH-3T3 cells, but its effects on human ACL cells were not significant. Tensile force test showed that load-extension curve of the materials was identical to ACL of human and rabbits, and the scaffolds possessed strong flexibility. The maximal load, ultimate stress and elastic modulus were respectively 52.61 N, 14.96 MPa and 202.08 MPa.CONCLUSION: COL-Ⅰ accelerates the adhesion and proliferation of NIH-3T3 cell line and human ACL cells on the surface and in the pore of the PVA/COL scaffolds, promotes the secretion of extracellular matrix from NIH-3T3, and PVA filature material has mechanical property and good cell compatibility.