Powell HM, Boyce ST, et al.
Biomaterials. Date of publication 2006 Dec 1;volume 27(34):5821-7.
1. Biomaterials. 2006 Dec;27(34):5821-7. Epub 2006 Aug 17.
EDC cross-linking improves skin substitute strength and stability.
Powell HM(1), Boyce ST.
Author information:
(1)Research Department, Shriners Burns Hospital, 3229 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH
45229, USA. hpowell@shrinet.org
Collagen-based scaffolds are extensively utilized as an analog for the
extracellular matrix in cultured skin substitutes (CSS). To improve the
mechanical properties and degradation rates of collagen scaffolds, chemical
cross-linking is commonly employed. In this study, freeze-dried collagen-GAG
sponges were crosslinked with increasing concentrations of
1-ethyl-3-3-dimethylaminopropylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC; 0, 1, 5, 10,
50mm). Cross-linking with EDC at concentrations >1mm was shown to greatly
decrease degradation by collagenase up to 21 days. Ultimate tensile strength
(UTS) of acellular collagen sponges scaled positively with EDC concentration up
to 10mm. At 50mm EDC, the UTS decreased dramatically likely due to the brittle
nature of the highly crosslinked material. Co-culture of human fibroblasts (HF)
and keratinocytes (HK) on these substrates reveals an apparent cytotoxicty of the
EDC at high concentrations with reduced cell viability and poor cellular
organization in CSS fabricated with scaffolds crosslinked with 10 or 50mm EDC.
From the data gathered in this study, intermediate concentrations of EDC,
specifically 5mm, increase collagen sponge stability and strength while providing
an environment in which HF and HK can attach, proliferate and organize in a
manner conducive to dermal and epidermal regeneration.
DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2006.07.030
PMID: 16919327 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
