Abstract: This invention relates to a biodegradable collagen matrix having a pore size and morphology which enhances the healing of a wound. It further relates to a process for preparing the matrix. One embodiment of the invention comprises a biodegradable matrix which comprises collagen, hyaluronic acid and fibronectin. Other embodiments include a process which comprises freeze drying a dispersion containing collagen, crosslinking the collagen via two crosslinking steps and freeze drying the crosslinked matrix.

Abstract: There are disclosed processes for preparing biodegradable collagen-based matrices in sponge or sheet form wherein in one embodiment a collagen-based material including a collagen selected from the group consisting of types I, II and II collagens is freeze dried to form a collagen-based sponge which is contacted with a cross-linking agent selected from the group consisting of a carbodiimide or a succinimidyl active ester to form an intermediate collagen-based matrix which is subsequently subjected to conditions of severe dehydration to form the collagen-based matrix in sponge or sheet form. In another embodiment, a collagen-based sponge or sheet is first subjected to conditions of severe dehydration followed by contacting the thus formed intermediate collagen-based matrix with a carbodiimide crosslinking compound to form the collagen-based matrix in sponge or sheet form.