Collagen-Based Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering Applications

TLDR

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, widely used in tissue engineering because of its biodegradability, biocompatibility, availability, and versatility, though sterilization can alter its structure. The review aims to comprehensively overview collagen‑based biomaterials for tissue engineering, guiding their translation from bench to bedside. It examines various cross‑linking strategies and biopolymer combinations to enhance collagen biomaterial performance.

Abstract

Collagen is the most widely distributed class of proteins in the human body. The use of collagen-based biomaterials in the field of tissue engineering applications has been intensively growing over the past decades. Multiple cross-linking methods were investigated and different combinations with other biopolymers were explored in order to improve tissue function. Collagen possesses a major advantage in being biodegradable, biocompatible, easily available and highly versatile. However, since collagen is a protein, it remains difficult to sterilize without alterations to its structure. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the various applications of collagen-based biomaterials developed for tissue engineering, aimed at providing a functional material for use in regenerative medicine from the laboratory bench to the patient bedside.