Tuning of 2D cultured human fibroblast behavior using lumichrome photocrosslinked collagen hydrogels

Collagen is extensively used in fabrication of hydrogels for biomedical applications but needs improvement after its isolation from tissues due to slow gelation and poor mechanical properties. Crosslinking could tailor such has previously been crosslinked by chemical or photochemical methods. Chemical crosslinkers are often toxic, the crosslinking reaction difficult control. Photochemical usually biocompatible compounds that activated upon irradiation. Riboflavin (vitamin B2), a crosslinker collagen, photodegrades lumichrome Cyclodextrins have increase aqueous solubility regulate collagen self-assembly. In this study, dissolved cyclodextrin complexation was as collagen. Lumichrome photocrosslinking reduced time 10 s, compared 90 min physical crosslinking. The formed exhibited increased elasticity, water absorption properties holding capacity physically riboflavin photocrosslinked hydrogels. Fibroblasts achieved myofibroblastic phenotype when cultivated 2D on gels observed histology. These potential applications, wound healing.