The Effect of Carbodiimide on the Structural, Mechanical and Biological Properties of Collagen Films
Yu. A. Nashchekina, M. Yu. Sirotkina, Diana M. Darvish, И. А. Барсук, O. A. Moskalyuk, Н. А. Михайлова
Abstract
Collagen is one of the most important proteins of the extracellular matrix. Due to its high biocompatibility, it is an attractive natural polymer and material for the creation of tissue-engineered matrices, in particular that mimic the stroma of the cornea. In this work, type I collagen was extracted and characterized from animal tissues, and collagen films were formed on its basis. In order to create additional covalent bonds in the films, the crosslinking agent 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide and N-Hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS)were used. The effect of EDC/NHS treatment on the mechanical properties and degradation of type I collagen films was investigated. An increase in the stiffness of matrices and their resistance to biodegradation after collagen processinghas been shown. The analysis of the effect of collagen processing with EDC/NHS on the viability and morphologyof corneal SIRC line cells was carried out. It was shown that the treatment of films with a cross-linking agent increases the viability of SIRC cells and does not change their morphology.