Tyrosine glucosylation of collagen films exploiting Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP)

The development of human tissue models for regenerative medicine and animal-free drug screening requires glycosylated biomaterials such as collagen. An easy and fast biomaterial glycosylation method exploiting Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) phenol coupling reaction is proposed. The protocol is adaptable to any polymer functionalized with phenol residues or tyrosine containing proteins. As a model the tyrosine residues on collagen films were functionalized with salidroside, a natural β-glucoside with a phenol in the aglycone. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and contact angle analysis revealed the influence of glycosylation on the sample's morphology and wettability. Preliminary biological evaluation showed the cytocompatibility of the glucosylated collagen films.