Cross-linked collagen with at least one bound antimicrobial agent for in vivo release of the agent

An antimicrobial cross-linked collagen construct comprising:

• a cross-linked collagen comprising collagen and one or more cross-linking agents and an antimicrobial amount of silver incorporated into the construct, wherein at least a portion of the silver is incorporated into the cross-linked collagen by chelation at least in part through a cross-linking agent, and wherein the one or more cross-linking agents comprise a 1,2-benzoquinone moiety, a 1,2-dihydroxyphenyl moiety, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, or 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid;
• and
• wherein the collagen has not been stabilized by treatment with ultraviolet radiation.