[Preparation of collagen-based materials for wound dressing]

This article addressed the methods to develop collagen-based materials for wound dressing. Fresh frozen bovine tendon was treated with 0.05 M acetic acid at pH 3.2 for 48-72 h, then it was homogenized, filtered, and after the process of adding chondroitin sulphate(8%), it was dbubblized; thus 1.5%-2.5% collagen solution was finally prepared. The solution was lyophilized in prefrozen or un-prefrozen mold. The collagen sponge was crosslinked with 0.25% glutaraldehyde for 24 h. Three other wound dressings were developed by similar method, namely collagen membrane with polyurethane membrane onlay, polyurethane-coated collagen membrane and collagen membrane on gauze. It was demonstrated that the property of frozen bovine tendon was stable, and the prepared collagen sponge contained pores of 50-400 microns in diameter. Some factors influencing pore structure and size in the collagen sponge were discussed. The results of this preliminary study suggested that the collagen could be used as wound dressing.