Collagen hydrogels coupled with hydroxyapatite for tissue engineering applications

Abstract

Collagen based hydrogels are three dimensional (3D) networks with the capacity to absorb water and high biocompatibility for use in repairing damaged tissue. These materials have poor mechanical properties and rapid degradation rates, limiting their application to tissue engineering and biomedical strategies; for this reason, the incorporation of inorganic phases in the 3D matrix of collagen such as hydroxyapatite has contributed to improving its properties, increasing the efficiency of the hybrid hydrogels obtained. This work presents the most relevant contributions related to collagen-based hydrogel systems and hydroxyapatite particles dispersed within the collagen matrix, which shows that the combination of materials does not alter the typical biocompatibility and biodegradability of collagen, allowing adhesion , proliferation, cell growth and control of the metabolism of the cells involved in the processes of bone repair, presenting hydrogels as a strategy for their potential use in tissue engineering.