Animal‐Free Derived Collagen‐Like Protein Based Electrospun Nanofibers for Biomedical Applications: Cell Interactions Studies

Christoph Krauss; Maria Montero Mirabet; Blerta Sonja Thaqi; Sven Weber; Karsten Mäder

doi:10.1002/mabi.70180

journal article Open Access Apr 01, 2026

Animal‐Free Derived Collagen‐Like Protein Based Electrospun Nanofibers for Biomedical Applications: Cell Interactions Studies

Christoph Krauss

Maria Montero Mirabet

Blerta Sonja Thaqi

Sven Weber

Karsten Mäder

Macromolecular Bioscience Vol. 26 No. 4 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/mabi.70180

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Biocompatibility of biomaterials is essential for their application in the biomedical field, particularly in tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. This study focuses on VECOLLAN, a recombinant, non‐animal‐derived collagen‐like protein (CLP), which exhibits excellent biocompatibility while promoting in vitro cell proliferation and wound healing. We previously optimized electrospinning parameters and employed a coaxial crosslinking approach to produce VECOLLAN‐based fibers with tunable dissolution, swelling behavior, and elasticity suitable for biomedical applications. The current study aims to assess the compatibility of these fibers with cells (NIH/3T3), investigate chemical leachables from three different formulations of DMTMM cross‐linked VECOLLAN‐fibers (according to ISO 10993‐18), and conduct spectroscopic analysis to confirm crosslinking efficacy. Results indicate that most CLP‐based nonwoven mats maintained cell viability above the 70% safety threshold as per ISO‐10993‐5. The sample with a CLP:DMTMM ratio of 1:0.1 demonstrated the most favorable cell compatibility and effective crosslinking. While the coaxial crosslinking method showed efficiency, residual crosslinker molecules and unexpected derivatives are identified. Spectroscopic investigations gave hints of successful crosslinking, although a direct correlation between crosslinker concentration and spectral band intensity is not established. Future research shall explore additional crosslinkers and cell types to further investigate the biocompatibility and potential applications of VECOLLAN‐based nonwoven mats.

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Details

Published: Apr 01, 2026
Vol/Issue: 26(4)
License: View

Authors

C

Christoph Krauss

Institute of Pharmacy Martin Luther University Halle‐Wittenberg Halle (Saale) Germany; Evonik Operations GmbH; Research, Development & Innovation Darmstadt Germany

M

Maria Montero Mirabet

Evonik Operations GmbH; Research, Development & Innovation Darmstadt Germany

B

Blerta Sonja Thaqi

Evonik Operations GmbH; Research, Development & Innovation Darmstadt Germany

S

Sven Weber

Evonik Operations GmbH; Research, Development & Innovation Darmstadt Germany

K

Karsten Mäder

Institute of Pharmacy Martin Luther University Halle‐Wittenberg Halle (Saale) Germany

Cite This Article

Christoph Krauss, Maria Montero Mirabet, Blerta Sonja Thaqi, et al. (2026). Animal‐Free Derived Collagen‐Like Protein Based Electrospun Nanofibers for Biomedical Applications: Cell Interactions Studies. Macromolecular Bioscience, 26(4). https://doi.org/10.1002/mabi.70180

Animal‐Free Derived Collagen‐Like Protein Based Electrospun Nanofibers for Biomedical Applications: Cell Interactions Studies

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