Gelatin Composites Research Articles

Development of multi-layered three-dimensional printed scaffold for sequential delivery of biomolecules

Spatiotemporal control of exogenous growth factors plays a crucial role in the sequential repair of damaged tissues. However, traditional therapeutic trials have mostly relied on the delivery of a single molecule because of the limitations of rapid diffusion and the instability of biomolecules. In this study, we developed a novel strategy using a composite of gelatin and silica as an alternative for the stable and sequential release of biomolecules. Two biomolecules, basic fibroblast growth factor and bone morphogenetic protein-2, were incorporated into two separate composites and sequentially layered onto the activated polymer surface. Each molecule was sequentially released from each layer of the scaffold and the silica composite prevented rapid diffusion owing to its nano-porous structure. The adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were significantly enhanced in the double-layered group containing separately delivered dual molecules compared with the control or single groups. Our developed gelatin–silica composite was successfully placed in double layers on polymer scaffolds, and cellular responses were promoted in this manner. These results demonstrated that our scaffolding system has potential as a therapeutic strategy for the delivery of dual or multiple biomolecules in regenerative medicine.  

Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan-Gelatin Film for Wound Dressing

This study aims to explore the effect of various components of chitosan gelatin on its characteristics. The method used was drying at room temperature using petridish for 2-3 days, by mixing all raw materials with chitosan : gelatin weight ratio of 1:0, 0:1, 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1. The dried film was taken and tested for film characteristics. The analysis conducted was FTIR analysis, swelling analysis, and degradation analysis. The results of the swelling analysis showed that the more the addition of gelatin composition, the percentage of swelling increased as shown in the ratio of 1:2, namely 85.178%, 144.072%, 102.068%, 184.660%, 135.272%. Meanwhile, the degradation test results showed that the chitosan and gelatin films with various composition variations increased as the test time progressed. FTIR analysis revealed that gelatin (Ge), chitosan (Ch), and chitosan-gelatin mixture (Ch-Ge) with 1:1 ratio had similar absorption peaks.

Production of platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-enriched scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration with 3D printing technology

Bone disorders signify diverse abnormalities in the structure, development, and functions of bone tissue in the human body, with a significant correlation to ageing, insufficient physical activity, and escalating obesity. Recent advancements in bone tissue engineering aim to enhance bone tissue formation through the use of biomaterials, growth factors, and cells. The present study focuses on the fabrication and characterisation of scaffolds with a composition of gelatin (GEL) / sodium alginate (SA) / hydroxyapatite (HA) / platelet-rich plasma (PRP) using the 3D printing process. The inclusion of PRP, derived from blood, is of particular interest due to its potential to enhance bone regeneration through various growth factors. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed average pore sizes ranging from 481.50 ± 7.65 to 623.96 ± 11.54 µm. SEM images also showed that scaffold surfaces became smooth as the concentration of PRP increased. The mechanical test results demonstrated that as the PRP increased, the compressive strength decreased. When the swelling and degradation behaviours of scaffolds were examined, it was observed that GEL/SA/HA/3PRP scaffolds exhibited approximately 200 % swelling capability until the 4th day. GEL/SA/HA scaffolds showed a degradation behaviour about 70 % higher compared to other groups. A controlled release profile of PRP was maintained up to the 144th, 216th, and 240th hours from the scaffolds. According to the highest correlation coefficients (R2) in the release kinetics of scaffolds, GEL/SA/HA/0.5PRP and GEL/SA/HA/1PRP scaffolds were explained by the first-order model. In contrast, the GEL/SA/HA/3PRP scaffold was described using the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. The MTT analysis conducted with osteoblast cells showed that scaffolds did not demonstrate any toxic effects and facilitated cell adhesion by inducing the formation of extensions. These findings underscore the potential of PRP-incorporated GEL/SA/HA composites as a promising approach for bone tissue engineering, offering significant advancements in the treatment of bone disorders. This could lead to more effective treatments for bone disorders and injuries, reducing the need for more invasive procedures and improving patient recovery times.

Measurement of covalent bond formation in light-curing hydrogels predicts physical stability under flow.

Photocrosslinking hydrogels are promising for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, but challenges in reaction monitoring often leave their optimization subject to trial and error. The stability of crosslinked gels under fluid flow, as in the case of a microfluidic device, is particularly challenging to predict, both because of obstacles inherent to solid-state macromolecular analysis that prevent accurate chemical monitoring, and because stability is dependent on size of the patterned features. To solve both problems, we obtained 1H NMR spectra of cured hydrogels which were enzymatically degraded. This allowed us to take advantage of the high-resolution that solution NMR provides. This unique approach enabled the measurement of degree of crosslinking (DoC) and prediction of material stability under physiological fluid flow. We showed that NMR spectra of enzyme-digested gels successfully reported on DoC as a function of light exposure and wavelength within two classes of photocrosslinkable hydrogels: methacryloyl-modified gelatin and a composite of thiol-modified gelatin and norbornene-terminated polyethylene glycol. This approach revealed that a threshold DoC was required for patterned features in each material to become stable, and that smaller features required a higher DoC for stability. Finally, we demonstrated that DoC was predictive of the stability of architecturally complex features when photopatterning, underscoring the value of monitoring DoC when using light-reactive gels. We anticipate that the ability to quantify chemical crosslinks will accelerate the design of advanced hydrogel materials for structurally demanding applications such as photopatterning and bioprinting.

Integrating classical and fractional calculus rheological models in developing hydroxyapatite-enhanced hydrogels

This study presents a novel method for comprehending the rheological behavior of biomaterials utilized in bone regeneration. The focus is on gelatin, alginate, and hydroxyapatite nanoparticle composites to enhance their mechanical properties and osteoconductive potential. Traditional rheological models are insufficient for accurately characterizing the behavior of these composites due to their complexity and heterogeneity. To address this issue, we utilized fractional calculus rheological models, such as the Scott-Blair, Fractional Kelvin-Voigt, Fractional Maxwell, and Fractional Kelvin-Zener models, to accurately represent the viscoelastic properties of the hydrogels. Our findings demonstrate that the fractional calculus approach is superior to classical models in describing the intricate, time-dependent behaviors of the hydrogel-hydroxyapatite composites. Furthermore, the addition of hydroxyapatite not only improves the mechanical strength of hydrogels but also enhances their bioactivity. These findings demonstrate the potential of these composites in bone tissue engineering applications. The study highlights the usefulness of fractional calculus in biomaterials science, providing new insights into the design and optimization of hydrogel-based scaffolds for regenerative medicine.

Preclinical evaluation of the individualized approach for chronic non-healing wounds management

Chronic non‑healing wounds (CNHW) are very common and often incorrectly treated, the morbidity and associated costs of chronic wounds management highlight the need to implement wound prevention and treatment concepts. Objective — to evaluate the possibility of different metal nanooxide polymer nanofilms use for CNHW’ local treatment. Materials and methods. The study design is based on evaluation of various types of dressing materials considering their option for use in CNHW local treatment. Samples of biodegradable polymer films (with an optimal composition of gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, lactic acid, glycerin and distilled water) saturated with nanoparticles of several oxides with expected antibacterial and pro‑regenerative feature — nZnO, nMgO in concentrations of 1%, 5%, and 10% were used in the study of antimicrobial action and substance release profiling. Quarterly ammonium antiseptic decamethoxin 0.02% was used for control. Results. Obtained data shows that polymer based biodegradable films incorporating optimal component composition (gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, lactic acid and glycerin) enriched with 5% and 10% zinc nanooxide have potent antimicrobial activity against both gram‑positive and gram‑negative microorganisms, the most common causative agents of CNHW’s. The ion release capacity analysis showed that the Zinc impregnated wound‑healing biodegradable polymer film gradually releases the active substance in a time dependent manner, and the nano‑sized particles of nanoZinc oxide are released from the polymer composition faster than ordinary zinc oxide. Conclusions. Complex natural biodegradable polymer based nanofilms are composite materials impregnated with metal nanooxides showing high potential in local treatment of chronic non‑healing wounds. Polymer film with 5% nanoZnO showed up to the 58% higher antimicrobial activity, comparable or exceeding the one of quarterly ammonium compound decamethoxin. Furthermore, nanoZnO impregnated polymer films compared to standard ZnO impregnated polymer films showed up to 63.2% faster substance release profile with rapid and more unified curve.

Dual release of daptomycin and BMP-2 from a composite of β-TCP ceramic and ADA gelatin

BackgroundAntibiotic-containing carrier systems are one option that offers the advantage of releasing active ingredients over a longer period of time. In vitro sustained drug release from a carrier system consisting of microporous β-TCP ceramic and alginate has been reported in previous works. Alginate dialdehyde (ADA) gelatin gel showed both better mechanical properties when loaded into a β-TCP ceramic and higher biodegradability than pure alginate.MethodsDual release of daptomycin and BMP-2 was measured on days 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 14, 21, and 28 by HPLC and ELISA. After release, the microbial efficacy of the daptomycin was verified and the biocompatibility of the composite was tested in cell culture.ResultsDaptomycin and the model compound FITC protein A (n = 30) were released from the composite over 28 days. A Daptomycin release above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by day 9 and a burst release of 71.7 ± 5.9% were observed in the loaded ceramics. Low concentrations of BMP-2 were released from the loaded ceramics over 28 days.

Preparation and properties of chitosan/gelatin film containing capsaicinoid for hemostasis and antibacterial

Blood loss resulting from accidents or surgery is a worrying health problem. This is because hemorrhage can occur and cause death. Therefore, the development of safe and effective hemostatic materials is important. Hemostatic agents (Ha) made from the composite of chitosan, gelatin, and glycerol mixtures and capsaicinoids (Cap) at various compositions 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 12 wt%. The films forming were prepared by casting with the aim of obtaining an environmentally friendly material for intraoperative hemostasis. The characterizations of the samples were performed by physicochemical, morphological, hemostasis test, functional groups, antibacterial, and mechanical properties were evaluated. The samples received are flexible and transparent. It was found that 6 wt% Cap showed the optimization in stopping bleeding, and Cap content of 12 wt% was optimized for antibacterial properties both Staphylococcusaureus and Escherichia coli. The results show that the addition Cap into chitosan/gelatin film based Ha has high potential as a hemostatic product, and there is a very interesting trend in the development of hemostatic and antibacterial materials in the future.

Fabrication, characterization and antioxidant activities of pectin and gelatin based edible film loaded with Citrus reticulata L. essential oil

AbstractIn the present work, pectin and gelatin‐based edible films (EFs) loaded with Citrus reticulata L. (tangerine) essential oil were fabricated and evaluated for their potential application in food packaging. GC–MS analysis and physiochemical, mechanical, and antioxidant analysis of the synthesized edible films and oil extract were carried out. GC–MS analysis of the tangerine essential oil revealed the presence of around 40 different chemical constituents, and among them, limonene (43.85%), linalyl acetate (19.16%), linalool (18.38%), and beta‐Myrcene (3.41%) were found as the major constituent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the interaction between the functional groups of the film components. Mechanical parameter assessment showed that the tensile strength of the edible film increases and elongation at break values decreases with oil addition. The thickness of the EFs increased with oil addition, while water solubility, water vapor permeability, and transparency decreased. In antioxidant potential assessment assays, maximum activity (DPPH• and ABTS•+ reducing potential) was reported for edible film samples containing a maximum amount (60 μL) of tangerine oil. We found that pectin and gelatin‐based edible films loaded with tangerine essential oil exhibit better characteristics and could be used as a food packaging material.Practical ApplicationsThis study presents a potentially effective method for producing edible films using pectin and gelatin composite, that have been incorporated with tangerine essential oil. These films demonstrate superior properties and may serve as an effective choice for food packaging material.

Effects of tilapia bone gelatin addition in broccoli jelly candy towards the protein, fat, fiber, and vitamin C content

This study aims to evaluate the effect of tilapia bone gelatin addition to the formulation of broccoli jelly candy and determine the best formulation from its protein, fat, fiber, and vitamin C content. The results show that tilapia bone gelatin addition to broccoli jelly candy significantly increases protein content from 8.17 - 12.19%, due to the gelatin composition that mostly consists of protein. This addition also increases the vitamin C content from 7.26 - 15.18 mg/g, due to gelatin’s ability to improve the thermal stability of ascorbic acid. However, the addition of gelatin does not affect the fat and fiber content. The best formulation based on protein content is Formulation 6 (13g of gelatin), meanwhile, formulation 4 (11g of gelatin) has the best formulation for vitamin C content.

Nanocellulose-Based Hybrid Scaffolds for Skin and Bone Tissue Engineering: A 10-Year Overview.

Cellulose, the most abundant polymer on Earth, has been widely utilized in its nanoform due to its excellent properties, finding applications across various scientific fields. As the demand for nanocellulose continues to rise and its ease of use becomes apparent, there has been a significant increase in research publications centered on this biomaterial. Nanocellulose, in its different forms, has shown tremendous promise as a tissue engineered scaffold for regeneration and repair. Particularly, nanocellulose-based composites and scaffolds have emerged as highly demanding materials for both soft and hard tissue engineering. Medical practitioners have traditionally relied on collagen and its analogue, gelatin, for treating tissue damage. However, the limited mechanical strength of these biopolymers restricts their direct use in various applications. This issue can be overcome by making hybrids of these biopolymers with nanocellulose. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the recent and most relevant publications focusing on hybrid composites of collagen and gelatin with a specific emphasis on their combination with nanocellulose. While bone and skin tissue engineering represents two areas where a majority of researchers are concentrating their efforts, this review highlights the use of nanocellulose-based hybrids in these contexts.

Biomimetic aligned nanofibrous dressings containing cell-selective polymer enhance diabetic wound regeneration

Diabetic ulcers remain a significant challenge in wound care due to loss of epithelial cell migration. Aligned nanofibrous scaffolds mimicking the skin's extracellular matrix (ECM) are promising candidates for diabetic wound healing. In this study, a composition of poly(ε-caprolactone), gelatin, and dopamine-containing varying amounts of ε-polylysine (ε-PL) was electrospun to prepare aligned nanofiber wound dressings (ANFDs). We then investigated the morphological, physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties of fabricated ANDFs. The presence of ε-PL confers bactericidal properties while promoting epithelial and fibroblast adhesion, proliferation, and migration, confirming its cell selectivity. The clinical importance of the ANFDs was then demonstrated in a mice model of full-thickness diabetic wounds. The results confirm that ANFD treatment resulted in a higher rate of wound closure in the linear range of wound closure than wounds treated with silver dressings. Taken together, these results suggest the potential of antimicrobial ANFDs for the treatment of diabetic wounds.

Facile green synthesis route for new ecofriendly photo catalyst for degradation acid red 8 dye and nitrogen recovery

This study novelty is that new photo catalyst prepared from sustainability low cost precursors. Dark red color hydrogel composites have been easily prepared from gelatin biopolymer using a simple sol–gel method. Gelatin doped by cobalt chloride, and silver nanoparticles (SNPs) in the presence of traces amount of sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant and calcium chloride. Water-insoluble Gelatin composites are thermally stable photocatalysts for the degradation of toxic anionic acid red 8 dye. Promising photodynamic activity confirmed by fluorescence emission at λmax 650 nm. Optical absorption in Vis. light enhanced photo catalytic activity. Silver nanoparticles enhanced crystallinity, and improved optical properties and porosity. Dopants by CoCl2 and silver nanoparticles increased band gap of gelatin composites from (1.82 to 1.95) indicating interfacial charge separation. Low band gaps improved photo catalytic activity. Optical band gaps (Eg) lower than 2.0 eV indicates high catalytic activity in the photo degradation acid red 8 dye using Vis. light, wavelength 650 nm. Percent removal efficiency (%Re) of the dye at 500 ppm initial concentration, pH 1, contact time 30 min., and 0.20 g L−1 dose photo catalyst reached 95%. pH not affects removal efficiency. So, gelatin composites removed AR8 dye by photodegradation mechanism rather than adsorption due to photodynamic activity. Kinetics of photodegradation followed pseudo first order kinetic with rate constant k1 5.13 × 10−2 min.−1 Good electrical conductivity and magnetic properties (effective magnetic moment (µeff 4.11 B.M) improved dye degradation into simple inorganic species. Nutrients NH4+, and NO3− degradation products recovered by using alumina silicate clay via a cation exchange mechanism.

Spray-dried calcium phosphate—gelatin composites and their behavior in simulated body fluid with the presence of cross-linking agent

Spray-dried calcium phosphate—gelatin composites and their behavior in simulated body fluid with the presence of cross-linking agent

Changes in the Amino Acid Composition of Gelatin After Treatment of Bovine Collagen with Enzyme Preparations

Changes in the Amino Acid Composition of Gelatin After Treatment of Bovine Collagen with Enzyme Preparations

Tunable Light-Actuated Interpenetrating Networks of Silk Fibroin and Gelatin for Tissue Engineering and Flexible Biodevices.

Soft materials with tunable properties are valuable for applications such as tissue engineering, electronic skins, and human-machine interfaces. Materials that are nature-derived offer additional advantages such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, low-cost sourcing, and sustainability. However, these materials often have contrasting properties that limit their use. For example, silk fibroin (SF) has high mechanical strength but lacks processability and cell-adhesive domains. Gelatin, derived from collagen, has excellent biological properties, but is fragile and lacks stability. To overcome these limitations, composites of gelatin and SF have been explored. However, mechanically robust self-supported matrices and electrochemically active or micropatterned substrates were not demonstrated. In this study, we present a composite of photopolymerizable SF and photogelatin, termed photofibrogel (PFG). By incorporating photoreactive properties in both SF and gelatin, control over material properties can be achieved. The PFG composite can be easily and rapidly formed into free-standing, high-resolution architectures with tunable properties. By optimizing the ratio of SF to gelatin, properties such as swelling, mechanical behavior, enzymatic degradation, and patternability are tailored. The PFG composite allows for macroscale and microscale patterning without significant swelling, enabling the fabrication of structures using photolithography and laser cutting techniques. PFG can be patterned with electrically conductive materials, making it suitable for cell guidance and stimulation. The versatility, mechanical robustness, bioactivity, and electrochemical properties of PFG are shown for skeletal muscle tissue engineering using C2C12 cells as a model. Overall, such composite biomaterials with tunable properties have broad potential in flexible bioelectronics, wound healing, regenerative medicine, and food systems.

Influences of Trypsin Pretreatment on the Structures, Composition, and Functional Characteristics of Skin Gelatin of Tilapia, Grass Carp, and Sea Perch.

Fish skin gelatin is an important functional product in the food, cosmetics, and biomedicine industries, and establishing a green and effective fish skin gelatin extraction method is an effective way to obtain high-quality gelatin and improve its production efficiency. In this study, a trypsin method was used to extract the skin gelatin of sea perch, tilapia, and grass carp, and the microstructures of skin gelatin of these three fish species were analyzed, with such functional characteristics as thermal stability, gel strength, and emulsifying properties measured. The study results show that the skin gelatin of sea perch and tilapia obtained through the trypsin method has a relatively big molecular mass, a dense network structure, and a stable trihelix conformation. In addition, the skin gelatin of these three fish species has a relatively high β-turn content in the secondary structure, good gel strength, and water absorption properties. The compositions of the collagen-associated proteins in the skin gelatins of these three fish species extracted with the trypsin method are significantly different from each other, with positive effects of decorin and biglycan on the stability of the network structure of gelatin and a certain damaging effect of metalloendopeptidase on the network structure of gelatin. The skin gelatin of tilapia has high thermal stability and good emulsifying performance. Therefore, this gelatin type has bright application prospects in such fields as food processing, cosmetics, and drug development. In contrast, the skin gelatin of grass carp has poor functional properties. Therefore, there are significant differences among the structures and functions of skin gelatin extracted from different kinds of fish through the trypsin method. This finding has provided a useful reference for the production of customized fish gelatin according to demand.

Extraction of Chitosan from <i>L. squarrosulus</i> (Mushroom) and <i>C. africana</i> (Shrimp) Based and Production of Film Polymer

The deacetylated form of chitin presents enormous areas of application. The research work was aimed at the production of polymer film by the extraction of chitosan from Lentinus squarrosulus (mushroom) and Caridina africana (shrimp) using a chemical process involving deproteinisation, demineralisation, and deacetylation. The two samples were thoroughly washed with distilled water to remove impurities, then dried at room temperature for three days. The mushroom was grounded to powder, deproteinised at varying concentrations (1, 2, 3, and 4 M) and temperatures (60, 80, and 100 °C). The emanating products were now demineralised and deacetylated at 3 M and 60 °C. Biuret test analysis was carried out on 3 M, 60 °C and 4 M, 100 °C of L. squarrosulus chitosan and C. africana with the later showing a clearer positive result for the application. The physicochemical and mechanical properties of chitosan composite films of C. africana and gelatinous composition (CS30: G70, CS50: G50, and CS70: G30) plasticised with glycerol were studied. The chitosan composite films, L. squarrosulus (3 M, 60 °C), and C. africana were characterised by FT-IR. The FTIR spectra showed the functional groups associated with the various bands, intensities, and stretching established that the samples were chitosan. The results of the flexibility and refractive index analysis indicated that the higher chitosan films were more flexible and refractive, finding a much greater application in the manufacture of lenses of higher magnification. The FTIR spectra of the compact films of the homogeneous structure showed that there was a reaction in C. africana chitosan. The SEM analysis of chitosan in C. africana showed morphological differences of ×300, ×500, ×1000, and ×1500.

Development and Characterization of Sustainable Bioplastic Films Using Cellulose Extracted from Prosopis juliflora

ABSTRACT To diminish the environmental impacts instigated by plastics, investigators recommended bioplastics. In the current work, an attempt is made to develop sustainable bioplastics from waste plants. Cellulose was extracted from the wood of Prosopis juliflora. The Prosopis juliflora wood was cut and ground into powder. The powder was washed with water and subjected to several chemical treatments to extract the cellulose. The bioplastic film samples were produced using it. Six different samples were prepared by varying the composition of cellulose, gelatin, citric acid, and glycerol. Several tests were carried out on samples developed as per ASTM standards, and the results were compared with the existing bioplastics. The test results indicated that sample 1 has a maximum tensile strength of 7.73 MPa. The average bursting strength of the bioplastic film is 12.44 kg/cm2, which is better than the other bioplastics reported in the literature. The average biodegradability of developed bioplastic films is approximately 59.43%. The results revealed that the Prosopis juliflora cellulose-based bioplastics would be a better substitute for conventional plastics.

Synthesis of pH/ temperature sensitive gelatin/peptide composite hydrogels and its characterization for potential controlled drug release applications

Conventional self-assembled peptide hydrogels have poor mechanical properties and tend to release abruptly when they are used as drug carriers, limiting the application of these materials in biomedical field. In this work, gelatin was embedded in a pH-responsive peptide Ac-FALNLAKD-NH2 (PEP) to construct gelatin/peptide composite hydrogels (Gel/PEP) for controlling the delivery of the anticancer drug chelerythrine (CHE). The physicochemical properties of Gel/PEP composite hydrogels were evaluated. The results of circular dichroism and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy characterization showed that compared with PEP hydrogels and gelatin, the Gel/PEP composite hydrogel has a superposition of two secondary structures, in which β-sheet and random coil accounted for 44.7 % and 55.3 % of the conformation, respectively. Rheology and scanning electron microscope characterization confirmed that the Gel/PEP hydrogel has a highly dense nanofibrous meshwork structure, which enhances mechanical and injectable properties. In addition, the encapsulation rate of CHE could reach more than 97 % at a gelatin/peptide mass ratio of 7:1. More importantly, in vitro results showed that the composite hydrogel still had good pH and thermal response performance, which can achieve controlled release of CHE. Therefore, it is possible to synthesize supramolecular drug release soft materials by composite of gelatin and peptide hydrogels.