ZnO/PVP nanoparticles induce gelation in type I collagen

Collagen based hydrogels have similar properties to native cornea and play an important role in ocular drug delivery. Here we report the preparation of zinc oxide nanoparticle/collagen hydrogels (collagen ZnO/PVP) without the need of an external cross-linking agent. The resulting hydrogels had sufficient mechanical strength to be manipulated and transferred without damaging its structure. Differential scanning calorimetry showed an increase in...