Novel crosslinked recombinant human collagen scaffolds with excellent cytocompatibility and wound healing effect

<i>Objective</i>: This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties, cytocompatibility, and tissue repair effects of novel crosslinked recombinant human collagen (rCOL) scaffolds. <i>Methods</i>: Novel rCOL scaffolds were prepared using EDC/NHS crosslinking and lyophilization. The physicochemical properties of the scaffolds, including the porosity, pore size, crosslinking degree, tensile strength, endotoxin levels, and genotoxicity, were determined. Their cytocompatibility was investigated <i>in vitro</i>, and their tissue repair effects were evaluated in a full-thickness skin wound rat model. <i>Results</i>: The crosslinked rCOL scaffolds exhibited a three-dimensional structure with a porosity exceeding 90% and a pore size ranging from 50 to 400 μm. The crosslinking degree of scaffolds prepared from 4% and 8% rCOL exceeded 20%, and all scaffolds withstood a tensile load of 2.5 N. Endotoxin levels were <0.5 EU per mL, below the regulatory limit for implantable medical products. No genotoxicity was detected. <i>In vitro</i>, the scaffolds exhibited remarkable cell adhesion and proliferation capabilities, with the 4% rCOL scaffold showing the highest capacity. In a full-thickness skin wound rat model, the scaffolds showed superior efficacy in promoting wound healing compared to animal-derived collagen. <i>Conclusions</i>: The biocompatibility and tissue repair of crosslinked rCOL scaffolds have excellent biological performance, providing a new material for wound healing applications.