title: To cross-link or not to cross-link? Cross-linking associated foreign body response of collagen-based devices.
abstract: Collagen-based devices, in various physical conformations, are extensively used for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Given that the natural cross-linking pathway of collagen does not occur in vitro, chemical, physical, and biological cross-linking methods have been assessed over the years to control mechanical stability, degradation rate, and immunogenicity of the device upon implantation. Although in vitro data demonstrate that mechanical properties and degradation rate can be accurately controlled as a function of the cross-linking method utilized, preclinical and clinical data indicate that cross-linking methods employed may have adverse effects on host response, especially when potent cross-linking methods are employed. Experimental data suggest that more suitable cross-linking methods should be developed to achieve a balance between stability and functional remodeling.
authors.affiliation: 1Network of Excellence for Functional Biomaterials, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Luis M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Delgado
authors.affiliation: 2Covidien - Sofradim Production, Trévoux, France.
authors.forename: Yves
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Bayon
authors.affiliation: 3Network of Excellence for Functional Biomaterials, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Abhay
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pandit
authors.affiliation: 3Network of Excellence for Functional Biomaterials, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Dimitrios I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Zeugolis
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D005549:Foreign-Body Reaction / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D059748:Proteolysis; D044968:Regenerative Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003094:Collagen