Abstract
As a natural macromolecule-based biomaterial, fish gelatin is used in medical materials for its low pathogen infection risk. However, because of poor mechanical properties, its application has been limited. In this study, microcrystalline cellulose-reinforced fish gelatin (FG/MCC) composite films were prepared with a biological cross-linking agent (genipin) under ultrasonic treatment. SEM micrographs showed that the smooth microstructure of FG film became increasingly disordered with the addition of MCC. The infrared spectrum analysis (FTIR) demonstrated the existence of hydrogen bond interaction between MCC and FG. Compared with the pure FG film, the tensile strength (TS) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of composite films with MCC were improved, and the elongation at break (EAB) and swelling ratios (SR) were decreased. Ultrasonic treatment could further improve TS, MOE, and SR. When the composite film was prepared with 15% MCC and treated with ultrasound, the TS and MOE increased by 115% and 227%, respectively, while the EAB decreased by 35% and the SR decreased by 4% in comparison with pure FG films. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the FG/MCC composite films were stable below 100 °C. The above results indicate that the FG/MCC films have optimistic application prospects in the biomedical field.
Highlights
Chronic wounds caused by injuries, burns, and non-healing ulcers are a major unsolved clinical problem [1]
The FG film had high density, because FG can arrange itself with less protrusion in the film matrix
The thickness of film was determined by the composition of the film-forming solution and the properties of its components [25]
Summary
Chronic wounds caused by injuries, burns, and non-healing ulcers are a major unsolved clinical problem [1]. MCC has the advantages of rich sources, high mechanical properties, non-toxic, high surface area, and biocompatibility, achieving high application potentials in a number of areas, as a reinforcement agent in polymer composites [14]. Genipin, a potential natural cross-linking agent from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, showed lower cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory properties It has been used effectively in various amino-containing polymer molecules [20]. Based on the principle of complementary advantages, FG/MCC composite films were prepared in this study to explore the effects of MCC contents and ultrasonic treatment on the morphology, swelling properties, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of composite films, providing a potential candidate material for the tissue engineering
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