A novel hydrogel-collagen composite improves functionality of an injectable extracellular matrix

Cellular transplantation is now closer to becoming a practical clinical strategy to repair, regenerate or restore the function of skin, muscle, nerves and pancreatic islets. In this study we sought to develop a simple injectable collagen matrix that would preserve the normal cellular organization of skin cells. Three different scaffolds were created and compared: collagen–glycosaminoglycan (GAG) scaffolds, crosslinked collagen–GAG scaffolds without polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and crosslinked collagen–GAG scaffolds containing PVA hydrogel. Importantly, all scaffolds were found to be non-cytotoxic. PVA-containing gels exhibited a higher tensile strength (P