Gelatin Concentration Research Articles

Physical and organoleptic properties of chocolate jam with the addition of cobia gelatin

Chocolate spread or most people know it as chocolate jam is one of the cocoa products that is favoured by everyone. Besides having a delicious taste, chocolate also contains nutrients that are good for the body. Chocolate jam requires physical properties, especially the right texture so that it can be applied to food products such as bread. The addition of gelatin is expected to improve the texture of chocolate jam. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the addition of cobia gelatin with different concentrations on the physical and organoleptic properties of chocolate jam and to determine the best addition of cobia gelatin to chocolate jam. This research was conducted using a completely randomized design with one factor, namely the different concentrations of cobia gelatin. Cobia gelatin was added to chocolate jam with different concentrations of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%. The tests carried out include texture test, density test, and organoleptic test which includes a hedonic test of chocolate jam, spreadability, and ease of meltability in the mouth. The results showed that the addition of gelatin concentration in chocolate jam affects the texture, density, and organoleptic values. Chocolate jam with the addition of 1.5% cobia gelatin gave the highest value in the hardness parameter of 0.65, cohesiveness of 0.33, and gumminess of 0.31, while the highest value for adhesiveness and density was found in the chocolate jam with the addition of 1% cobia gelatin. The organoleptic test showed that the favorability of the chocolate jam increased as the concentration of cobia gelatin increased. The addition of cobia gelatin to the chocolate jam can produce a chocolate jam texture that is more compact and denser but easy to spread.

Robust estimation of Shear Wave group velocity for ultrasound elastography based on frequency domain analysis.

Shear wave elastography (SWE) is of great significance in measuring the elasticity and in evaluating mechanical properties of biological tissues. The elasticity of biological tissues can be reflected by measuring the propagation velocity of shear waves. Therefore, accurate estimation of shear wave velocity is crucial. In this study, we proposed a robust estimation method based on a cyclic shifting algorithm (CSA) for measuring shear wave group velocity in homogeneous media. To validate the utility of the algorithm, we conducted accuracy analysis and robustness analysis with different noise levels in the digital phantom used for the standardization of shear wave velocity by Quantitative Imaging Biomarker Alliance (QIBA) of the Radiological Society of North America. The estimated shear wave velocities (SWV) of the elastic digital phantoms with Young's moduli 3 kPa, 6 kPa, 15 kPa, 30 kPa are 1.0156 m/s, 1.4065 m/s, 2.1875 m/s, 3.1250 m/s, respectively. When adding Gaussian white noise with 0 dB, the relative errors of the estimated SWVs are 2.5%, 4.8%, 11.8%, 20.5%, respectively. The estimated SWVs in the gelatin phantom with gelatin concentration of 7% and 10% are 2.0442 m/s and 3.1237 m/s. Compared with the existing two representative estimation algorithms, the estimation algorithm proposed in this paper has a higher anti-noise performance due to effective energy accumulation in the frequency domain. The proposed SWV method based on CSA in frequency domain is a robust shear wave group velocity estimation method, which seems to be a useful tool in homogeneous media for ultrasound elastography.

Impact of soaking duration with phosphoric acid on the characteristics of halal gelatin obtained from New Zealand white rabbit bones (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The demands of Indonesia's numerous industrial sectors for gelatin still rely on imports. In general, gelatin produced using pork can cause serious problems for Hindus and Muslims. The product extracted from New Zealand White rabbit bones in this research has the potential to become halal gelatin. This research aimed to analyze the characteristic amide group absorption of gelatin in the Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectrum of the isolated gelatin from New Zealand White rabbit bones and to determine the effect of changing soaking time on the yield and gelatin characteristics. In the pre-treatment process, the sample was soaked using a 9% phosphoric acid solution for 48, 96, and 144 hours. The gelatin is then extracted at gradual temperatures for 12 hours. The characterization involved analyzing functional groups, water content, ash content, pH, and protein content. The typical absorption of gelatin functional groups in the form of amides A, I, II, and III was detected from FTIR spectrophotometric analysis. This study indicated that the soaking time significantly affected the yield, pH, ash content, and protein content of the gelatin produced, but did not significantly influencethe water content. The yield of gelatin from New Zealand White rabbit bones ranges from 4.08-6.56%. The water content of the gelatin is between 6.96-7.05%, and the pH value is 3.61-3.98. Both parameters meet the gelatin quality standards. However, the ash content of gelatin from New Zealand White rabbit bones, which ranges from 6.86-9.29%, does not meet the gelatin quality standards according to SNI 06-3735-1995 and GMIA 2012. The protein content of the rabbit bone gelatin, which is not regulated by the quality standards, ranges from 75.46-83.37%. The longer the soaking time, the higher the yield and protein content of the gelatin produced, and the lower the ash content. Keywords: Gelatin, New Zealand White Rabbit Bones, Soaking Time, Phosphoric Acid

Characteristics of halal gelatin from spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commersonii) bone gelatin isolated with bromelain enzyme pretreatment

In this research, gelatin was isolated and characterized from mackerel fish bone (Scomberomorus commersonii) by varying the bromelain enzyme concentration as an alternative source of halal gelatin. This study aimed to detect the presence of typical gelatin absorption in the FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) spectrum of products isolated from mackerel fish bone waste and to analyze the effect of bromelain enzyme on yield, pH, water content, ash content, and gelatin protein content. Pretreatment processes were carried out using enzymes with variations of 0; 1; 1,5; and 2% for 6 hours, followed by a 13% citric acid solution for 96 hours. Extraction was conducted using distilled water as a solvent heated at 75oC for 6 hours. The gelatin solution was concentrated for 24 hours and dried for 48 hours in an oven at 60oC. Characterization using FTIR spectrophotometer indicated the presence of gelatin absorption bands such as Amide A, Amide I, Amide II, and Amide III. Gelatin isolated from mackerel fish bone had a yield ranging from 3,64-7,57%, pH values of 3,88-5,15, water content of 7,63-10,19%, ash content of 2,19-5,92%, and protein content of 65,68-88,47%. An increase in yield of up to 50% compared to the yield of non-enzymatic gelatin occurred when the enzyme bromelain was added at 1.5% in the pretreatment process. The characteristics of mackerel fish bone gelatin meet the requirements of GMIA (2012) and SNI (1995), however, for the ash content, only the addition of 1,5% enzyme met the standard. The yield, pH, water content, ash content, and protein content of mackerel fish bone gelatin were significantly influenced by the concentration of the bromelain enzyme used. Keywords: Citric Acid, Bromelain, Mackerel Bones

Characteristics of composite edible films from sago starch and gelatin

The utilization of sago starch as a raw material for edible films is still under development. The properties of films produced from sago starch are not yet optimal, necessitating research to enhance their quality. The use of a composite material consisting of tuni sago starch and gelatin is expected to improve the characteristics of these edible films. This research aimed to determine the characteristics of edible film composites made from sago starch and gelatin. The research employed an experimental approach with a completely randomized design, varying the ratio of tuni sago starch to gelatin across five treatment levels (3:0; 2.75:0.25; 2.5:0.5; 2.25:0.75; 2:1 (g/g)). The results revealed that the composite treatments of sago starch and gelatin produced films with thickness values ranging from 0.060 to 0.86 mm, tensile strength ranging from 0.62 to 9.76 MPa, elongation ranging from 0.23 to 6.44%, solubility ranging from 28.96 to 59.01%, and water vapor transmission rates ranging from 11.41 to 20.03 g/m2 .h. It was observed that higher concentrations of gelatin in the edible films led to increased thickness, tensile strength, elongation, solubility, and water vapor transmission rates.

Chitosan-gelatin composite hydrogel antibacterial film for food packaging

Antibacterial hydrogel film can serve as food packaging materials to prevent bacteria growth and spread, thereby extending shelf life and improve food safety. In this study, an efficient antibacterial hydrogel film (CLG) was prepared with chitosan, lysine, and gelatin. The light transmission of the CLG hydrogel film was over 80 % in the visible region, facilitating the observation of chicken breast storage conditions. Additionally, the swelling ratios of the hydrogel films decreased with increasing gelatin concentration, from 145.7 g/g (CLG1) to 92.6 g/g (CLG2) and 81.5 g/g (CLG3). This reduction was attributed to the denser network structure formed by the interaction between gelatin and the CL polymer. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed that the water-absorbed CLG hydrogel had a unique sponge shape. Moreover, the CLG hydrogel film exhibits high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). In a practical storage experiment, the CLG hydrogel film extended the shelf life of chicken breast by up to 4 days compared to untreated samples, while effectively reducing total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) levels. This hydrogel film is expected to become a promising food packaging material.

Optimization of Nano-Hydroxyapatite Production from Limestone with Effect of Gelatin Concentration and pH in Sol-Gel Synthesis

Nano hydroxyapatite is one of the biomaterials that has proven to be a very potential material due to its ability to bind directly with bone tissue. Limestone with a calcium carbonate content of 99.87% was used as a calcium source for the economical and sustainable synthesis of hydroxyapatite. The sol-gel method was chosen for the in situ gelatin synthesis process due to its ability to produce nanoparticles with high homogeneity. The particle size of nanohydroxyapatite can increase the surface area to volume ratio thus affecting the interaction with surrounding cells and tissues. Gelatin was added in various concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30% as an innovative cell growth support modifier. The synthesis was also carried out at pH 9, 10, and 11 to evaluate its effect on hydroxyapatite formation. Optimal synthesis conditions were obtained at 30% gelatin concentration and pH 10, which resulted in the highest yield of 93.95%. Product characterization included Fourier Transform Infra-Red analysis, which showed the presence of typical hydroxyapatite functional groups (PO₄³-, OH-) and carbonate groups (CO₃²-). Scanning Electron Microscopy characterization showed nano-sized particles in the range of 443-578 nm with a granular structure. Porosity was found to be 72.52% making it ideal for cancellous bone tissue engineering applications.

Line-dropped gelatin multi-element calibration standards in LA-ICP-MS: a statistically verifying comparison with cryosectioned homogenized lung and liver as matrix-matched calibration standards and as corresponding reference materials.

Calibrations in LA-ICP-MS are typically very time-consuming and complex, as they need to be matched to the samples being measured and sectioned on a microtome. Alternatively, gelatin can be in droplet form or as a section, which is a more recent development. In this study, we report on investigations where hot multi-element gelatin solutions are placed in a linear fashion on microscopic slides to conduct comparative statistical observations between doped tissue homogenates from the liver and lung. The tissue homogenates served as both samples (complete ablation) and calibration standards (partial ablation) for verification purposes. We explored the effects of different laser fluences (0.50-1.50J/cm2), gelatin contents (0.3-20.0%) and section thicknesses (10-30µm). To do this, we evaluated the samples by calculating median and mean values over the entire section with and without removal of elementary spikes (de-spiking). A reduction in distribution was achieved with averaging. The data was normalized using 13C as an internal standard. In these experiments and under these measurement conditions, it was observed that the selected laser fluences, gelatin contents, and section thicknesses did not visibly affect the results, making them comparable. Each sample could be assessed with each gelatin calibration, allowing for determination of expected reference values. Despite interruptions in the measurement operation, due to the high number of measurements, where samples and calibrations could not be analyzed in one measurement run, no negative effects of stopping and starting the LA-ICP-MS were observed.

Influence of Hydroxyapatite and Gelatin Content on Crosslinking Dynamics and HDFn Cell Viability in Alginate Bioinks for 3D Bioprinting.

This study investigates how varying concentrations of hydroxyapatite (OHAp) and the addition of gelatin influence the ionic crosslinking time of alginate-based bioinks, as well as the shear stress experienced by neonatal human dermal fibroblasts (HDFn) during extrusion. These factors are crucial for validating bioinks and developing viable 3D bioprinted models. Four bioink formulations were created with a 50/50 ratio of alginate to gelatin, incorporating different calcium phosphate concentrations (0%, 1%, 5%, and 10%). The bioink compositions were confirmed via Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and rheological analyses evaluated their pseudoplastic behavior, printability limits, and crosslinking times. The results indicated a notable increase in the consistency index (k) from 0.32 for the 0% OHAp formulation to 0.48 for the 10% OHAp formulation, suggesting improved viscoelastic properties. The elastic modulus recovery after crosslinking rose significantly from 245 Pa to 455 Pa. HDFn experienced a shear stress of up to 1.5436 Pa at the tip during extrusion with the HDFn-ALG5-GEL5-OHAp10 bioinks, calculated at a shear rate as low as 2 s-1. Viability assays confirmed over 70% cell viability 24 h post-extrusion and 92% viability after 7 days for the 10% OHAp formulation, highlighting the potential of hydroxyapatite-enhanced bioinks in tissue engineering applications.

Eco-friendly nanocomposite biofilm based on sage seed gum/gelatin/TiO2: Fabrication and characterization

In the current study, the sage seed gum/gelatin-TiO2 (SG/Ge-TiO2) nanocomposite films were prepared. Their physical, mechanical, chemical, barrier, surface, structural, and microbial characteristics are determined as a function of different ratios of sage seed gum (SG) to gelatin (1 to 2, 2 to 1 and 1 to 1) and different concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles (0, 2, 4 % based on biopolymer (w/v)). The results indicated increases in the tensile strength, elongation at break, thickness, brightness (L*), whiteness index (WI), and contact angle, as gelatin content and concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles increase. In addition, the increases of TiO2 nanoparticles and the increased content of SG lead to an increase in the surface roughness of the films. As the gelatin content and the concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles increased, the barrier characteristics against water vapor, oxygen, and light increased, so that the water vapor, oxygen, and light permeability in the SG 1-Ge 2–4 % film decreased by 66.93 %, 80.89 %, and 47.43 %, respectively, compared to the SG 2 Ge 1–0 % film. According to the results of structural and thermal investigation, the crystallinity degree in the films increased as the gelatin content and the concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles increased, resulting in the enhanced thermal stability of the film. The addition of TiO2 nanoparticles brought about antimicrobial characteristics in the film, with no significant effect on the antioxidant activity and total phenol content (p > 0.05). The results indicated that SG-Ge-TiO2 bionanocomposite films (especially SG 1-Ge 2–4 %) can be considered a suitable option for active food packaging as well as medical applications (e.g. active wound adhesive) due to its favorable characteristics.

Generating Tooth Organoids Using Defined Bioorthogonally Cross-Linked Hydrogels.

Generating teeth in vitro requires mimicking tooth developmental processes. Biomaterials are essential to support 3D tooth organoid formation, but their properties must be finely tuned to achieve the required biomimicry for tooth development. For the first time, we used bioorthogonally cross-linked hydrogels as defined 3D matrixes for tooth developmental engineering, and we highlighted how their properties play a pivotal role in enabling 3D tooth organoid formation in vitro. We prepared hydrogels by mixing gelatin precursors modified either with tetrazine (Tz) or norbornene (Nb) moieties. We tuned the hydrogel properties (E = 2-7 kPa; G' = 500-1500 Pa) by varying the gelatin concentration (8% vs 12% w/V) and stoichiometric ratio (Tz:Nb = 1 vs 0.5). We encapsulated dental epithelial-mesenchymal cell pellets in a library of hydrogels and identified a hydrogel formulation that enabled successful growth kinetics and morphogenesis of tooth germs, introducing a defined tunable platform for tooth organoid engineering and modeling.

Enhancing stability and bioactivity of Chondrus ocellatus polyphenols through nanoparticle fabrication

This article aimed to fabricate Chondrus ocellatus polyphenols (COPs)-gelatin-chitosan nanoparticles to enhance their stability and bioactivity. Different preparation conditions were tested to investigate the effects of formulation on nanoparticle fabrication. Free radical scavenging activity of COPs and their nanoparticles were compared. The consequences revealed that optimal preparation was obtained with a chitosan (CS) concentration of 0.5 mg/mL, gelatin (Gel) concentration of 1.0 mg/mL, COPs concentration of 5.0 mg/mL, and Gel-CS-COPs mass ratio of 2:1:1. The resultant nanoparticles had the particle size of 39.79 ± 5.15 nm and encapsulation efficiency of 60.95 % ± 1.86 %. The COPs-Gel-CS nanoparticles were distributed uniformly, and no obvious aggregation was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Nanoencapsulation of the COPs significantly improved their antioxidative stability. This study provided a potential formulation for the application of Chondrus ocellatus polyphenols in antioxidant activities.

Effect of gelatin nanoparticles’ size and charge on iontophoretic targeted deposition to the hair follicles

Hair follicles (HFs) represent a route of interest to drug delivery for treating several skin conditions. Iontophoresis, on the other hand, is a physical method to enhance drug permeation by applying a low electrical current to the formulation. HFs can be targeted following topical iontophoretic application, as they represent a pathway of lower electrical resistance, as well as a drug reservoir, in particular useful for nanoparticles (NPs), which can preferably accumulate in these structures. Combining both strategies may provide optimal results, but the literature still lacks evidence of the ideal NP characteristics for the iontophoretic drug delivery targeting the HFs. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of gelatin NPs’ size and charge under iontophoresis application on NPs’ deposition into the HFs. Four gelatin NP formulations were produced with varying gelatin concentrations and gelatin types (positively charged type A and negatively charged type B), with sizes ranging from 220 to 770 nm. A fluorescent dye, TRITC-dextran 150 kDa, was encapsulated for monitoring NPs deposition. Cutaneous penetration experiments were performed in vitro with and without iontophoresis for 6 h with pig ear skin. The deposition profile was assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Photomicrographs showed a higher accumulation of the larger positively charged NPs (AL), reaching deeper portions of HFs, and showed iontophoresis further increased their deposition, resulting in the highest signal. In conclusion, these findings shed light on the applications of NPs and bring novel treatment opportunities for several diseases compromising the hair follicles.

Conductive Biocomposite Made by Two-Photon Polymerization of Hydrogels Based on BSA and Carbon Nanotubes with Eosin-Y.

Currently, tissue engineering technologies are promising for the restoration of damaged organs and tissues. For regeneration of electrically conductive tissues or neural interfaces, it is necessary to provide electrical conductivity for the transmission of electrophysiological signals. The developed biocomposite structures presented in this article possess such properties. Their composition includes bovine serum albumin (BSA), gelatin, eosin-Y and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). For the first time, a biocomposite structure was formed from the proposed hydrogel using a nanosecond laser, and a two-photon absorption cross section value of 580 GM was achieved. Increased viscosity over 3 mPa∙s and self-focusing with a nonlinear refractive index of 42 × 10-12 cm2/W make it possible to create a biocomposite structure over the entire specified area. The obtained electrical conductivity value was 19 mS∙cm-1, due to the formation of effective electrically conductive networks. For a biocomposite with a concentration of gelatin 3 wt. %, formed by low-energy near-IR pulses, the survival of Neuro 2A nerve tissue cells was confirmed. The obtained results are important for the creation of new tissue engineering structures and neural interfaces from a biopolymer hydrogel based on the organic dye eosin-Y and carbon nanotubes by two-photon polymerization.

KARAKTERISTIK KIMIA DAN ORGANOLEPTIK JELLY DRINK FILTRAT DAUN KELOR YANG DITAMBAHKAN GELATIN

Tropical plants that have health benefits are moringa plants. Moringa is currently the most widely consumed food. The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical and organoleptic characteristics of moringa leaf extract jelly drinks processed with gelatin concentrate. The design used was a Randomized Design (CRD) with gelatin concentration treatments of 30, 40 and 50%, 3 replications. The results obtained were that the higher the concentration of gelatin had a significant effect on fiber, vitamin C and dissolved solids content, and reduced water content. The results of the organoleptic test showed that the three treatments did not provide a significant effect between treatments.

Thermal-responsive soil-hydrogel composite for additive construction

To improve the formability and bonding strength of 3D printing soil, a temperature-stimulating responsive intelligent soil-hydrogel 3D printing formula was innovatively developed by combining soil and gelatin. Varied soil-gelatin composites, featuring different gelatin content by weight of soil (0 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, and 1.5 %), were prepared and cured at 5 °C to facilitate the crosslinking of gelatin. An array of tests, including rheological assessments, compressive tests, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Were conducted to thoroughly characterize the performance of gelatin-soil composites for 3D printing. Our findings unveiled that, following the cross-linking of gelatin at 5 °C, the gelatin-soil composites exhibited superior formability and bond strength compared to the reference. Furthermore, the soil-gelatin composites demonstrated not only comparable compressive strength to the reference but also enhanced interlayer bond strength. This innovative soil-hydrogel 3D printing formula, combining the versatility of soil and the responsive characteristics of gelatin, presents a promising avenue for advancing the capabilities of 3D printed soil.

An Easy-to-Handle Route for Bicomponent Porous Tubes Fabrication as Nerve Guide Conduits

Over the past two decades, the development of nerve guide conduits (NGCs) has gained much attention due to the impellent need to find innovative strategies to take care of damaged or degenerated peripheral nerves in clinical surgery. In this view, significant effort has been spent on the development of high-performance NGCs by different materials and manufacturing approaches. Herein, a highly versatile and easy-to-handle route to process 3D porous tubes made of chitosan and gelatin to be used as a nerve guide conduit were investigated. This allowed us to fabricate highly porous substrates with a porosity that ranged from 94.07 ± 1.04% to 97.23 ± 1.15% and average pore sizes—estimated via X-ray computed tomography (XCT) reconstruction and image analysis—of hundreds of microns and an irregular shape with an aspect ratio that ranged from 0.70 ± 0.19 to 0.80 ± 0.15 as a function of the chitosan/gelatin ratio. More interestingly, the addition of gelatin allowed us to modulate the mechanical properties, which gradually reduced the stiffness—max strength from 0.634 ± 0.015 MPa to 0.367 ± 0.021 MPa—and scaffold toughness—from 46.2 kJ/m3 to 14.0 kJ/m3—as the gelatin content increased. All these data fall into the typical ranges of the morphological and mechanical parameters of currently commercialized NGC products. Preliminary in vitro studies proved the ability of 3D porous tubes to support neuroblastoma cell (SH-SY5Y) adhesion and proliferation. In perspective, the proposed approach could also be easily implemented with the integration of other processing techniques (e.g., electrospinning) for the design of innovative bi-layered systems with an improved cell interface and molecular transport abilities.

Formulation-Property Effects in Novel Injectable and Resilient Natural Polymer-Based Hydrogels for Soft Tissue Regeneration

The development of injectable hydrogels for soft tissue regeneration has gained significant attention due to their minimally invasive application and ability to conform precisely to the shape of irregular tissue cavities. This study presents a novel injectable porous scaffold based on natural polymers that undergoes in situ crosslinking, forming a highly resilient hydrogel with tailorable mechanical and physical properties to meet the specific demands of soft tissue repair. By adjusting the formulation, we achieved a range of stiffness values that closely mimic the mechanical characteristics of native tissues while maintaining very high resilience (>90%). The effects of gelatin, alginate, and crosslinker concentrations, as well as porosity, on the hydrogel’s properties were elucidated. The main results indicated a compression modulus range of 2.7–89 kPa, which fits all soft tissues, and gelation times ranging from 5 to 30 s, which enable the scaffold to be successfully used in various operations. An increase in gelatin and crosslinker concentrations results in a higher modulus and lower gelation time, i.e., a stiffer hydrogel that is created in a shorter time. In vitro cell viability tests on human fibroblasts were performed and indicated high biocompatibility. Our findings demonstrate that these injectable hydrogel scaffolds offer a promising solution for enhancing soft tissue repair and regeneration, providing a customizable and resilient framework that is expected to support tissue integration and healing with minimal surgical intervention.

Dual-Self-Crosslinking Effect of Alginate-Di-Aldehyde with Natural and Synthetic Co-Polymers as Injectable In Situ-Forming Biodegradable Hydrogel.

Injectable, in situ-forming hydrogels, both biocompatible and biodegradable, have garnered significant attention in tissue engineering due to their potential for creating adaptable scaffolds. The adaptability of these hydrogels, made from natural proteins and polysaccharides, opens up a world of possibilities. In this study, sodium alginate was used to synthesize alginate di-aldehyde (ADA) through periodate oxidation, resulting in a lower molecular weight and reduced viscosity, with different degrees of oxidation (54% and 70%). The dual-crosslinking mechanism produced an injectable in situ hydrogel. Initially, physical crosslinking occurred between ADA and borax via borax complexation, followed by chemical crosslinking with gelatin through a Schiff's base reaction, which takes place between the amino groups of gelatin and the aldehyde groups of ADA, without requiring an external crosslinking agent. The formation of Schiff's base was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. At the same time, the aldehyde groups in ADA were characterized using FT-IR, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC), which determined its molecular weight. Furthermore, borax complexation was validated through boron-11 nuclear magnetic resonance (¹¹B NMR). The hydrogel formulation containing 70% ADA, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and 9% gelatin exhibited a decreased gelation time at physiological temperature, attributed to the increased gelatin content and higher degree of oxidation. Rheological analysis mirrored these findings, showing a correlation with gelation time. The swelling capacity was also enhanced due to the increased oxidation degree of PEG and the system's elevated gelatin content and hydrophilicity. The hydrogel demonstrated an average pore size of 40-60 µm and a compressive strength of 376.80 kPa. The lower molecular weight and varied pH conditions influenced its degradation behavior. Notably, the hydrogel's syringeability was deemed sufficient for practical applications, further enhancing its potential in tissue engineering. Given these properties, the 70% ADA/gelatin/PEG hydrogel is a promising candidate and a potential game-changer for injectable, self-crosslinking applications in tissue engineering. Its potential to revolutionize the field is inspiring and should motivate further exploration.

Fabrication and characterization of an electrospun silk fibroin/gelatin transparent graft material for corneal epithelial regeneration

The damaged corneal epithelial causing loss of vision can be restored by epithelial tissue regeneration through tissue engineering approach that provides an engineered corneal substitute with appropriate properties and nanofibrous architecture. This works reports a polymeric matrix that was derived from silk fibroin (SF) and gelatin (GE) natural polymer blend with optimized composition resembling the structure and function of the native epithelial tissue. SF/GE blend spinning solutions prepared with different volume ratios of SF/GE: 70/30, 50/50, and 30/70 were used to fabricate electrospun mats. The fabricated two-dimensional mats had nanofibrous porous architecture having interconnected pores with pore size range of 175–267 nm suitable for corneal epithelial regeneration and 891.2–558 nm fiber diameter range as revealed by scanning electron microscopic image analysis. The performed Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed the presence of individual polymers in the scaffolds and the scaffolds are hydrophilic in nature. Among the scaffolds, SF/GE 70:30 and SF/GE 50:50 composition possess desired porosity range of 87–88%. The tensile strength was slightly decreased with increase in GE content and the strength obtained was in the range 2.74–2.26 Mpa. An enhanced transparency was obtained with increased GE concentration, the transparency range of 73–82% observed with SF/GE:50/50 matches with the transparency of natural corneal epithelium. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was confirmed by cell attachment, cytotoxicity and ROS evaluation by culturing rabbit corneal fibroblast cells (SIRC) on the scaffolds. Among the scaffolds, SF/GE: 70/30 exhibited the highest cell viability, but with less transparency ranging 55–71%. Therefore, considering all the properties, SF/GE with 50:50 ratio scaffold may be a suitable substrate in the field of corneal tissue engineering.