A Five-Decade Perspective on the Evolution of Gelatin and Collagen Technologies and Materials Used in Medical Devices

Collagen and gelatin have been incorporated into medical devices for more than five decades because they combine biological familiarity with practical material versatility. This narrative historical perspective examines how these materials progressed from hemostatic agents, wound coverings, and collagen-stabilized devices toward more deliberately engineered wound-contacting matrices and regenerative biomaterials. The discussion integrates selected peer-reviewed literature with first-hand historical knowledge from authors involved in the development of several technologies. The first part summarizes the material basis for collagen and gelatin use, including their structural differences, biocompatibility, biodegradability, cell interactions, absorbency, processability, and emerging recombinant or animal-free platforms. The second part summarizes selected clinical developments, beginning with collagen fixation chemistry for tissue heart valves and then examining Biobrane, TransCyte, AWBAT, and PermeaDerm as examples of evolving temporary skin-substitute design. Across these technologies, device performance depended not only on the biological material but also on adherence, fluid transport, porosity, transparency, manufacturability, and clinical handling. The available evidence is heterogeneous and includes preclinical studies, clinical comparisons, and first-hand development reports. Future progress will require better material characterization, independent and adequately powered clinical studies, and designs that balance biological function with manufacturability, cost, regulatory clarity, and ease of use.