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Abstract

Next to in vitro-cultured autogeneic keratinocytes for the restoration of epidermis, a suitable dermal matrix is a mandatory component of an artificial skin substitute for the permanent covering of full thickness skin defects. In our model a xenogeneic membrane, consisting of processed native collagen and elastin of porcine origin is meant to serve as a template for the formation of a neo-dermis. In order to improve the resistance of this matrix against enzymatical degradation, we cross-linked it by using the carbodiimide 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC) together with N-hydroxysuccinimide. Chemical cross-linking by these agents at two different degrees (shrinkage temperatures 63 degrees C and 81 degrees C) had no relevant effect on mechanical features or water-uptake capacity. The time needed for enzymatic digestion was increased by cross-linking. Concerning growth and spreading of fibroblasts and keratinocytes on and within the structure of this membrane, we did not observe a difference between cross-linked and non-cross-linked material (shrinkage temperature 48 degrees C). We therefore expect that cross-linking by EDC is an effective means to control the degradation of the collagen/elastin membranes in vivo without a significant influence on their biocompatibility.

Modification of Decellularized Goat-Lung Scaffold with Chitosan/Nanohydroxyapatite Composite for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications

“…In this study, EDC and NHS were added to increase the rate and amount of crosslinking between –COOH groups present in the decellularized goat-lung tissue (collagen-based biomaterial) and –NH 2 groups present in the CS/nHAp composite, thereby increasing the compressive stiffness of the scaffold [30–32]. …”

Crosslinking and composition influence the surface properties, mechanical stiffness and cell reactivity of collagen-based films

“…Previous research by Hafemann et al showed no significant difference in cell growth or spreading after crosslinking [12]. They studied the biocompatibility of non-/crosslinked collagen–elastin films using fibroblasts and keratinocytes.…”

Compressed collagen gel as the scaffold for skin engineering

“…No difference was observed between the two groups. Scale bar = 50 μm affecting its biocompatibility, although their cross-linking effect is relatively less potent for collagen strength comparing with the conventional reagent glutaraldehyde that is cytotoxic (Hafemann et al 2001;Park et al 2002). It might be reasonable to speculate that the combination of collagen compression, mechanical loading, new collagen cross-linking agents and other potential techniques could generate collagen gel based scaffolds for skin engineering with stronger mechanical strength and less contraction.…”