Inter-and Intramolecular Bonding in Collagen of Healing Wounds by Insertion of Methylene and Amide Cross-Links into Scar Tissue

Abstract

The in vitro effect of inserting methylene and amide cross-links into maturing scar tissue of healing wounds has been presented. Insertion of cross-links increases significantly the tensile strength of incised and sutured wounds between the 3rd and 42 nd postoperative days. The gain in tensile strength is more pronounced early in secondary wounds than in primary wounds of the same age and the effect of increased cross-linking is influenced by time of application of the tanning agent, concentration of the agent and the age of the wound. Hydrothermal stability of wound collagen is also markedly increased by inserting amide and methylene cross-links.