University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

Kevin Weadock

Richard A Berg

Conrad Whyne

Frederick H Silver

Charles J Doillon

David E Birk

Frederick A Silver

This invention relates to a biodegradable collagen matrix having a pore size and morphology which enhances the healing of a wound. It further relates to a process for preparing the matrix. One embodiment of the invention comprises a biodegradable matrix which comprises collagen, hyaluronic acid and fibronectin. Other embodiments include a process which comprises freeze drying a dispersion containing collagen, crosslinking the collagen via two crosslinking steps and freeze drying the crosslinked matrix.

Biodegradable matrix and methods for producing same

There are disclosed processes for preparing biodegradable collagen-based matrices in sponge or sheet form wherein in one embodiment a collagen-based material including a collagen selected from the group consisting of types I, II and II collagens is freeze dried to form a collagen-based sponge which is contacted with a cross-linking agent selected from the group consisting of a carbodiimide or a succinimidyl active ester to form an intermediate collagen-based matrix which is subsequently subjected to conditions of severe dehydration to form the collagen-based matrix in sponge or sheet form. In another embodiment, a collagen-based sponge or sheet is first subjected to conditions of severe dehydration followed by contacting the thus formed intermediate collagen-based matrix with a carbodiimide crosslinking compound to form the collagen-based matrix in sponge or sheet form. In still another embodiment of the present invention the cross-linking agent is admixed with the collagen-based material prior to formation of the collagen-based sponge or sheet followed by processing steps of severe dehydration. In a particularly preferred form of the invention, a carrier compound is incorporated during processing to form a collagen-based matrix in sponge or sheet form impregnated with a carrier compound wherein the carrier compound is selected from the group consisting of types IV and V collagen, fibronectin, laminin, hyaluronate, proteoglycan, epidermal growth factor, platelet derived growth factor, angiogenesis factor, antibiotic, antifungal agent, spermacidal agent, enzyme and enzyme inhibitor.

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Piscataway, NJ, United States of America

Kevin Weadock