Dialdehyde Starch Cross-Linked Collagen with Heparin Conjugation: Characterization and Feasibility Study for Osteochondral Tissue Repair.

ABSTRACT: Collagen is widely used in tissue engineering due to its excellent biocompatibility; however, its limited intrinsic mechanical strength restricts its application in load-bearing environments. This study introduces dialdehyde starch (DAS) as a biocompatible macromolecular cross-linker to enhance the mechanical integrity of collagen hydrogels. Collagen gels were cross-linked with DAS during neutralization under optimized conditions, resulting in a significant increase in compressive stiffness (up to ~125 kPa), thereby improving their suitability for mechanically demanding applications. Degradation studies of DAS-crosslinked collagen confirmed the long-term stability of the gel, while post-neutralization heparin incorporation improved bifunctionality, as evidenced by increased surface retenti

SUBMITTER: Lee JK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12652762 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature