Biological and rheological properties of collagen cross-linked with glutaraldehyde

We study the effect of the concentration of glutaraldehyde that can cross-link type I collagen molecules on the collagen stability, mechanical strength, and cytotoxicity. It is shown that collagen containing 10 and 18% of glutaraldehyde exhibits the highest stability in physiological conditions. The results of rheological analysis demonstrate that, for the minimal concentration of glutaraldehyde (1%), mechanical characteristics of collagen hydrogels are improved significantly. However, the glutaraldehyde concentration higher than 10% reduces the vitality of cells by 50%.