The influence of cross-linking reagent, glutaraldehyde, on the biostability of collagen films was examined. With greater cross-linking, water absorption ability, swelling degree and degradation rate were all decreased. Based on scanning electron microscopy observations, the collagen films changed from a compact structure to a fiber-dominated morphology after cross-linking. Cross-linking provides a more integrated fiber-like structure that impeded degradation. To assess the influence of the cross-linking on cytocompatibility, in vitro cell culture was performed on the cross-linked collagen films using human fibroblasts. Good cytocompatibility of the initial collagen was largely retained after cross-linking, while biostability was greatly improved.
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