Abstract

The physical properties of collagen are profoundly influenced by the method and extent of cross-linking. Dialdehyde sodium alginate (DSA) at various oxidation levels was used to cross-link collagen. The number of covalent cross-links introduced in collagen by DSA has been quantified by calculating cross-linking density, swelling ratio, thermo-mechanical properties and stress-strain characteristics. 92% oxidised DSA (DSA-92) gave the maximum number of cross-links at pH8 compared to other versions. The number of cross-links has been found to increase with increase in oxidation of DSA and dialdehyde functionality. The spatial orientation of amino acid side chain residue during crosslinking of collagen plays an important role in determining the cross-linking density and consequent physical properties of the collagen matrix.