Collagen beads from Chondrosia reniformis as antioxidant-retaining biomaterials for wound environments

The collagen derived from the marine sponge Chondrosia reniformis Nardo, 1847, due to its biocompatibility, as well as its mechanical and thermal stability, results suitable for the development of biomaterials in tissue engineering applications. In this study, we investigate its use in wound healing through the production of collagen-based beads designed to retain antioxidant molecules. Using an electrospray-based approach with a 4 mg/mL sponge collagen suspension, we produced three types of sponge collagen beads (SCBs) by modulating voltage, flow rate, injector–collector distance, and needle diameter. The beads displayed bean-shaped morphologies (~1 mm × 0.5 mm), with lower voltage yielding more homogeneous, rounded forms. Embedded within the collagen matrix were 20–40 μm silica sand granules, derived from the sponge cortex. SCBs were functionalized with astaxanthin or quercetin. These molecules remained stably adsorbed to the collagen matrix, ensuring sustained local antioxidant activity. Beads were incubated in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and a collagenase-rich solution to mimic enzymatic wound conditions. UV-Vis spectroscopy and morphological monitoring confirmed the persistence of antioxidant compounds and matrix degradation over time. These findings highlight the potential of SCBs as biodegradable, antioxidant-retaining biomaterials for wound care. Furthermore, the presence of siliceous particles could represent a functional component, potentially contributing to tissue regeneration through the controlled release of bioactive silicic acid. Our results support the potential of SCBs as biodegradable platforms for the controlled delivery of antioxidant activity on the wound area. This study contributes to the valorization of marine biomaterials and highlights the role of poriferan collagen in innovative biomedical applications.