Some chemical and biological characteristics of a new collagen–polymer compound material

A new compound material is described, consisting of collagen sponge and glycol methacrylate, with a density varying from a compact to a highly porous spongelike material. Mechanical properties, swelling capacity, trypsin digestion rate, structural stability, and dynamics of tissue reactivity after subcutaneous and subperiostal implantation of this material were compared with collagen sponge, and the glycol methacrylate polymer alone. It has been shown that combined polymer collagen sponge with high porosity is quickly penetrated by connective tissue which maintains the character of highly vascularized loose connective tissue. The porosity of the material is a decisive factor for tissue permeation and the size of the pores should exceed 100 μ. The combination of the glycol methacrylate polymer gel with a collagen sponge increases the mechanical strength of this hydrophilic material. Optimal conditions for construction of the gel–collagen sponge were found.