Preparation and characterization of collagen-chitosan-chondroitin sulfate composite membranes.

Collagen (Col)-chitosan (Chi) membrane was modified by a hot dehydrogenation cross-linking method. Carbodiimide was added for further crossing modification. Chondroitin sulfate (CS) was added so that Col-Chi sulfate composite membranes were prepared. The structure of the composite membranes was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and its mechanical properties, degradation, and cytotoxicity were characterized. The composite membrane was applied to a full-thickness skin injury in animal experiments performed in rabbits. Strong interactions and good compatibility among Col, Chi, and CS in the composite membrane were present. The good mechanical properties, biocompatibility, digestion resistance, and wound healing promotion of the composite membrane make it a potential wound dressing or skin scaffold for tissue engineering.