Biopolymer crosslinking: Application and prospects

Crosslinking is a method of linking together high-molecular compounds by forming new chemical cross linkages inside and between macrochains. At the same time, various agents can act as cross linkers, i.e., chemical compounds, ultraviolet radiation, etc. Crosslinking of biotissues is known for improving their mechanical strength, increasing structural density, and reducing bioscaffold permeability. This review aims to characterize possible applications of cross-linking technology in various branches of medicine, i.e., ophthalmology, traumatology, urology, gastroenterology, oncology, bioengineering, and others. A review of domestic and foreign publications was carried out using the database and resources of search systems of scientific electronic libraries such as PubMed, elibrary.ru, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and the library stock of Bashkir State Medical University for the period from 1994 to 2023. The study of available literature sources makes it possible to conclude that the method of ultraviolet crosslinking is currently widely used in ophthalmology, while various modifications of crosslinking have prospects in medicine and related industries and can become the basis for the creation of bioengineered products and original medical technologies aimed at improving the effectiveness of treatment of various human diseases.