Collagen-Based Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering Applications

• Main Authors: François Berthod, Robert Gauvin, Rémi Parenteau-Bareil
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2010-03-01
• Series: Materials
• Subjects: collagen; biomaterial; soft tissue
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/3/3/1863/

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.