The Preparation of Nano-SiO₂/Dialdehyde Cellulose Hybrid Materials as a Novel Cross-Linking Agent for Collagen Solutions

Nano-SiO₂ was immobilized onto dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) to prepare SiO₂/DAC hybrid materials. Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy of SiO₂/DAC indicated that nano-SiO₂ had been successfully hybridized with DAC. X-ray diffraction suggested that the structure of DAC was influenced by the nano-SiO₂. SiO₂/DAC was then used as the cross-linker of collagen solutions. Gel electrophoresis patterns and FTIR reflected that cross-linking occurred between DAC and collagen, but that collagen retained the native triple-helix, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated that the thermal stability of collagen could be effectively improved by SiO₂/DAC. Dynamic rheology tests revealed that the flowability of collagens cross-linked by SiO₂/DAC was superior to that of those cross-linked by DAC; meanwhile, collagens cross-linked by SiO₂/DAC possessed a more homogeneous morphology compared to those cross-linked by DAC. The hybridization of SiO₂/DAC as a cross-linker for collagen could effectively prevent the gelation caused by excessive cross-linking, and significantly improve the thermostability of collagen, which could be helpful for collagen being applied in fields including biomaterials, cosmetics, etc.