Dehydrothermally cross-linked collagen-poly(vinyl alcohol) blends: mechanical, biological and surface properties

The mechanical, biological and surface properties of films, based on blends of soluble collagen and poly(vinyl alcohol), were investigated. Films prepared by casting were cross-linked by a dehydro-thermal treatment. The mechanical behaviour of the materials was studied by dynamic-mechanical thermal analysis. The biological properties of the films were evaluated by performing cytotoxicity and cytocompatibility in vitro tests. Surface characterization was carried out by X-ray electron spectroscopy. The results obtained indicate that these materials behave as two-phase systems and a remarkable enrichment of collagen in the surface with respect to the bulk was observed. Cytocompatibility tests show that the blending of the two polymers creates a better substrate for cell growth in comparison with pure components.