Collagen-based medical devices: technological basis and clinical studies

Despite the widespread use of collagen-based medical devices in clinical practice, their clinical efficacy is often analyzed independently from the technological aspects that largely determine the functional capabilities and limitations of a specific product. In this review, the authors formulated technical requirements for collagen-based medical devices across seven clinical areas: dentistry, dermatology, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, neurosurgery, general surgery, traumatology and orthopedics. For each area, clinical studies registered in ClinicalTrials.gov and reported in the relevant scientific literature were analyzed. Product manufacturing technologies and characteristics were identified based on patent searches in the Espacenet and PatentScope databases, as well as data provided by manufacturers. It was demonstrated that collagen-based medical devices should not be regarded as a universal class with an unambiguous regenerative effect. For several clinical indications and specific products, the authors identified neutral or negative clinical outcomes, which were examined from a technological perspective. This approach makes this review valuable for researchers focused on developing new collagen-based products by providing an opportunity to gain both clinical and technical insights and identify relevant research gaps.