Modification of the biofunctional properties of collagen hydrogel with carboxylic acid salts

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Abstract
One of the promising directions in non-pharmacological wound treatment is tissue engineering, which includes the development of biomimetic materials. The biomaterials most similar to the native extracellular matrix are those consisting of collagen or its denatured forms. Despite the evident advantages of collagen-based biomaterials, their large-scale application in clinical practice is limited due to rapid biodegradation and low mechanical strength. One method for modifying the functional properties of collagen biomaterials is the formation of additional crosslinks between adjacent collagen polypeptide chains, including through the use of carboxylic acid salts.    The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the biodegradation and functional activity of human fibroblasts to a collagen hydrogel modified with tartrate or citrate salts.    Material and methods.  Denatured type I collagen from “First Alive Collagen” (Russia) and 80 mM solutions of sodium tartrate and sodium citrate were used. Mechanical properties of the samples were assessed using a TX-700 texture analyzer (Lamy Rheology Instruments, France). Using flow cytometry, light microscopy, and luminescence microscopy, the influence of the biomaterials on the number of apoptotic cells, adhesion, viability and functional activity of fibroblasts in vitro was assessed.    Results.  It was established that modification of a collagen hydrogel with tricarboxylic acid salts yields hydrogel biomaterials with improved strength characteristics and resistance to biodegradation in vitro. The obtained modified hydrogel forms exhibited no cytotoxic effect and were capable of supporting the growth and proliferative activity of fibroblasts on their surface. The ability of the hydrogel modified with citrate salt to stimulate fibroblast production of extracellular matrix proteins was revealed.    Conclusions.  The obtained results can be used in the design of biomaterials for stimulating reparative regeneration and preventing fibrotic diseases.

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