COLLAGEN-FIBERS WITH IMPROVED STRENGTH FOR THE REPAIR OF SOFT-TISSUE INJURIES

Our laboratory has developed a process for self-assembly of high stren gth collagen fibres in vitro which exhibit the characteristic D period . These fibres can be cross-linked by severe dehydration (dehydrotherm al cross-linking) at elevated temperature and formulated into devices used to repair soft tissues. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dehydrothermal cross-linking time and temperature on the te nsile mechanical properties of collagen fibres. The results discussed indicate that the tensile strength of reconstituted collagen fibres is optimized by cross-linking for 5d at 110 degrees C. Tensile strength and modulus values of 98.8 and 896 MPa are reported for fibres cross-l inked in this manner. High tensile strength and modulus values are esp ecially important in developing biodegradable materials that promote h ealing of orthopaedic structures.