Recent Advances on Collagen Biomaterial: From Extraction, Cross-Linking to Tissue Regeneration

Collagen has shown promising potential in biomedical fields due to its high biocompatibility, abundance of resources, ease of flexible modification, and potential for active targeting. The biomedical capacity is largely influenced by their unique structure and properties. Collagen is typically extracted from tissues and organs that are commonly discarded as waste. The extraction of collagen from agricultural and sideline resources is an environmentally friendly method for utilizing byproducts and generating high-value products. The extraction methods can significantly impact the structure and composition. Collagens can be cross-linked using external reagents or techniques to enhance their strength and meet growing demands. This review will discuss the recent advancements in collagen-based biomaterials for chronic wound healing, bone regeneration, and cornea defect repair, focusing on extraction and modification strategies. We are dedicated to bridging the gap between the pretreatment of collagens in various processes and their specific applications. This will facilitate the scientific design and optimal utilization of collagen-based biomaterials for tissue regeneration. This review provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the advancements in extraction methods, cross-linking strategies, and the biomedical applications of collagen.