Collagen
can self-assemble to form fibers with a unique structure
and retain a reticular fibrous structure after membrane formation.
However, collagen membranes without further modification are easy
to tear. In this study, two crosslinkers (linear di-alkynyl poly(ethylene
glycol) (DA-PEG) and branched tetra-alkynyl poly(ethylene glycol)
(4arm-DA-PEG)) were synthesized, and exogenous crosslinking between
collagen fiber bundles through the amino–yne click reaction
was studied. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was performed
to confirm the successful synthesis of crosslinkers and the construction
of the crosslinked network. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed
that the crosslinked collagen membranes (Col/DA-PEG; Col/4arm-DA-PEG)
had dense fibrous structures, which was expected to provide a structural
foundation for surgical suturing. The denser structures and higher
crosslinking degree of Col/4arm-DA-PEG provided good mechanical, optical,
and antienzymatic properties. Col/4arm-DA-PEG could withstand 4.6
N/mm suture strength, which enabled it for suturing. Compared with
glutaraldehyde-crosslinked membranes, Col/DA-PEG and Col/4arm-DA-PEG
showed low cytotoxicity and better biocompatibility, as observed by
CCK-8 assay and confocal laser scanning microscopy. These results
indicate that alkynyl-terminated PEG systems can be used as ideal
collagen crosslinkers to enhance the suture tension of collagen-based
materials, especially in corneal repair materials.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.