PEG-dialdehyde-the new cross-linking agent for collagen/elastin hydrogels

Collagen and elastin are the major proteins of an extracellular matrix. They possess attractive, complementary mechanical properties in their native state, but during isolation, its unique structure is destroyed, which affects the parameters of the materials. However, they still have excellent biological properties. The cross-linking process improves the physicochemical properties of protein materials. The ideal cross-linking agent should be effective and does not impair the biological properties of the material. Therefore, poly(ethylene) glycol-dialdehyde was used in the study. The results show that the addition of poly(ethylene) glycol-dialdehyde in combination with the neutralization of a collagen/elastin solution is a useful method for preparation of protein hydrogels. The gels are transparent and relatively stiff. They exhibit good mechanical properties, surface properties and are attractive for 3T3 cells. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.