To effectively sterilize collagen used as a biological substitute for the tissue engineering use maintaining the biological and physical properties of collagen or collagenous tissue.

This method comprises the sterilization of collagen and collagenous tissue which is to be used for implantation, repair, or in a mammalian host. Sterilants used are low concentration peracetic acid solutions in either neutral or high ionic strength that prevents or minimizes the dissolution or swelling of collagen or collagenous tissue to enable sterilization so that the sterilized tissue retains its structural integrity and bioremodelable properties.