Photo-Initiated Green Crosslinking Strategy for Structural Stabilization of Collagen Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine

Photo-Initiated Green Crosslinking Strategy for Structural Stabilization of Collagen Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine

Abstrakt

Collagen-based scaffolds are widely used in regenerative medicine due to their excellent biocompatibility and biomimetic structure resembling the extracellular matrix. However, their broader application is limited by poor mechanical stability and rapid degradation under physiological conditions. Conventional chemical crosslinking strategies often involve potentially toxic reagents and complex post-processing steps, which may limit their suitability for biomedical applications. In this study, a photo-initiated crosslinking strategy was investigated as a safer alternative for stabilizing collagen scaffolds intended for tissue regeneration and wound healing. The approach employs a naturally derived, biocompatible crosslinking agent activated by ultraviolet irradiation, enabling scaffold stabilization without the use of conventional synthetic crosslinkers. The influence of processing parameters, including irradiation conditions and crosslinker concentration, was systematically evaluated to optimize scaffold fabrication. The developed approach effectively stabilized the collagen scaffolds while preserving their porous architecture and native protein structure. Scaffold morphology was evaluated using SEM and CLSM, while FTIR was used to assess collagen secondary structure. In addition, swelling behaviour, enzymatic degradation, cytotoxicity, and mechanical properties were investigated via DMA. Overall, the results highlight the potential of green chemistry-based crosslinking strategies for the development of safe and functional collagen scaffolds for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications.

Collagen-based scaffolds are widely used in regenerative medicine due to their excellent biocompatibility and biomimetic structure resembling the extracellular matrix. However, their broader application is limited by poor mechanical stability and rapid degradation under physiological conditions. Conventional chemical crosslinking strategies often involve potentially toxic reagents and complex post-processing steps, which may limit their suitability for biomedical applications. In this study, a photo-initiated crosslinking strategy was investigated as a safer alternative for stabilizing collagen scaffolds intended for tissue regeneration and wound healing. The approach employs a naturally derived, biocompatible crosslinking agent activated by ultraviolet irradiation, enabling scaffold stabilization without the use of conventional synthetic crosslinkers. The influence of processing parameters, including irradiation conditions and crosslinker concentration, was systematically evaluated to optimize scaffold fabrication. The developed approach effectively stabilized the collagen scaffolds while preserving their porous architecture and native protein structure. Scaffold morphology was evaluated using SEM and CLSM, while FTIR was used to assess collagen secondary structure. In addition, swelling behaviour, enzymatic degradation, cytotoxicity, and mechanical properties were investigated via DMA. Overall, the results highlight the potential of green chemistry-based crosslinking strategies for the development of safe and functional collagen scaffolds for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications.

Crosslinking, scaffold, biomaterials

Crosslinking, scaffold, biomaterials

IZSÁK, D.; PAVLIŇÁKOVÁ, V.; DINPARVAR, S.; CHAMRADOVÁ, I.; VOJTOVÁ, L.

29.07.2026

Thessaloniki, Greece

International Conferences & Exhibition on Nanotechnologies, Organic Electronics & Nanomedicine, Book of Abstract, Greece, Thessaloniki, 4-11 July 2026

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