title: Cross-linking by 1-ethyl-3- (3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC) of a collagen/elastin membrane meant to be used as a dermal substitute: effects on physical, biochemical and biological features in vitro.
abstract: Next to in vitro-cultured autogeneic keratinocytes for the restoration of epidermis, a suitable dermal matrix is a mandatory component of an artificial skin substitute for the permanent covering of full thickness skin defects. In our model a xenogeneic membrane, consisting of processed native collagen and elastin of porcine origin is meant to serve as a template for the formation of a neo-dermis. In order to improve the resistance of this matrix against enzymatical degradation, we cross-linked it by using the carbodiimide 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC) together with N-hydroxysuccinimide. Chemical cross-linking by these agents at two different degrees (shrinkage temperatures 63 degrees C and 81 degrees C) had no relevant effect on mechanical features or water-uptake capacity. The time needed for enzymatic digestion was increased by cross-linking. Concerning growth and spreading of fibroblasts and keratinocytes on and within the structure of this membrane, we did not observe a difference between cross-linked and non-cross-linked material (shrinkage temperature 48 degrees C). We therefore expect that cross-linking by EDC is an effective means to control the degradation of the collagen/elastin membranes in vivo without a significant influence on their biocompatibility.
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Plastic Surgery, Hand and Burn Surgery, University of Technology, D-52057 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hafemann
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ghofrani
authors.forename: H G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Gattner
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Stieve
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pallua