The purpose of this study was to investigate cross-linking-of (damaged
) collagen by tannic acid, with a view to reconsider its use as a poss
ible therapeutical agent in the treatment of burn wounds. Because of c
ontradictory reports in the literature, and increased purity of tannic
acid, this method has again become valuable for re-evaluation. A labo
ratory study using dermal sheep collagen was conducted to analyse the
influence of several metal ions on collagen cross-linking with tannic
acid. The tannic acid concentration vs degree of cross-linking, tannic
acid uptake and release, influence of the addition of metal ions, and
the rate of degradation of treated collagen were established. We have
shown that tannic acid mediated collagen cross-linking in a concentra
tion-dependent manner. Cross-linking was influenced by the presence of
metal ions: Fe3+ and Ag+ were shown to exert a stimulatory effect on
the degree of cross-linking by a 2% tannic acid solution, whereas Zn2 had an inhibitory effect. Ce3+ Ca2+ and Na+ did not influence the deg
ree of cross-linking. The degree of cross-linking was proportional to
the uptake of tannic acid, which varied between 6 and 35 wt%. Reversib
ility of cross-linking was established. Tannic acid-treated dermal she
ep collagen showed a slow degradation rate relative to differently cro
ss-linked collagen materials when subjected to collagenase or pancreat
ic proteolytic enzymes. The results of this study suggest that tannic
acid could have a function in vivo in burn treatment by binding burn t
oxins and inhibiting degradation of the (remaining) dermal matrix, and
allows combination with metal ions as antimicrobials. Optimal cross-l
inking was obtained using a 2 wt% tannic acid solution; combination wi
th Ce3+ as a potential antimicrobial agent is possible without diminis
hing cross-linking. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Limited.