Incorporation Of Gelatin Research Articles

Effects of Gelatin and Nano‐ZnO on the Performance and Properties of Cellulose Acetate Water Membranes

AbstractBiodegradable cellulose acetate (CA) membranes were prepared via phase inversion induced by immersion precipitation method. Acetic acid and deionized water were used as solvent and non‐solvent, respectively. The modifying effect of gelatin and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles additives was investigated on the membranes in terms of water flux, protein rejection percentage, and fouling ability during two hours of bovine serum albumin separation from aqueous solution. Specimens were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), tensile test, contact angle technique, and porosity measurement. The incorporation of gelatin and ZnO nanoparticles into the CA matrix increased the porosity coefficient and hydrophilicity. Moreover, gelatin improved the tensile properties of the membrane.

Synthetic/natural blended polymer fibrous meshes composed of polylactide, gelatin and glycosaminoglycan for cartilage repair

Electrospinning is a common and effective technology used for the fabrication of biomimetic nanofibers targeting tissue regeneration applications. As for cartilage regeneration, nanofibers containing natural components derived from cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) are preferred. However, it is not easy an task to electrospin glycosaminoglycan (GAG) like hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) by themselves. In this study, HA and/or CS were co-electrospun with poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) or PLLA/gelatin (1:1 in weight ratio) to obtain GAG-containing composite nanofibers. All the prepared composite nanofibers were non-cytotoxic, able to support cell attachment, spread and proliferation. In the differentiation studies, the PLLA/GAG and the PLLA/gelatin/GAG nanofibers demonstrated stronger capacities in promoting the chondrogenic differentiation of both the bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) and chondrocytes than the respective PLLA and PLLA/gelatin nanofibers, even in the proliferation medium without extra inductive factors. The incorporation of gelatin greatly improved the hydrophilicity of the fibrous meshes. At the meantime, the PLLA/gelatin/GAG nanofibers were more efficient than the PLLA/GAG nanofibers in enhancing the chondrogenic differentiation. It was found that the PLLA/gelatin/HA/CS (HA and CS in 1:1 weight ratio) nanofibers demonstrated a stronger synergetic effect on up-regulating chondrogenesis than both the PLLA/gelatin/HA and the PLLA/gelatin/CS nanofibers, when the GAG amounts in all the preparations were controlled as 3 wt.%. Herein, GAG-containing composite nanofibers were successfully electrospun and their potentials for cartilage repair were proved.

Microfibrous paper scaffold for tissue engineering application

Cotton is cheap, easily available and widely used as surgical material. Therefore, cotton would be good raw material to design a scaffold for tissue engineering applications. In this work, the gelatin-coated microfibrous paper scaffold was fabricated successfully by a papermaking process. Microfibers-based scaffold could overcome the limitations of nanofibrous material-based scaffold for tissue engineering application. The physicochemical and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were characterized. The results revealed that the gelatin contributed to the enhanced cell attachment and proliferation over the scaffolds, whereas cellulose as a strong backbone in the scaffold to support it for keeping its appearance. Their tensile strength and water absorption capacity were improved, but pore size and porosity were decreased after incorporation of gelatin. Hence, results suggested that fabricated scaffolds have huge prospective as a bioactive, well-designed and economical scaffold stand for tissue engineering application.

Heat sealable soluble soybean polysaccharide/gelatin blend edible films for food packaging applications

Abstract The present study aimed to develop heat sealable soybean polysaccharide (SSPS)/gelatin blend films intended to be used as edible food packaging materials. The films were fabricated by solution casting method using SSPS/gelatin blends and plasticized by glycerol. The results indicated that the heat sealability, stretchability and resistance to fracture of the films were significantly improved by blending SSPS with gelatin. The incorporation of gelatin into SSPS films also increased the thermal stability but decreased the water solubility, rigidity and water vapor permeability of the films. ATR-FTIR spectra and DSC results indicated strong interactions between SSPS and gelatin. The studies of optical properties, SEM, AFM, and XRD revealed that SSPS and gelatin were compatible to a certain degree in this blend system. Packaging tests confirmed that the blend films have showing potential as edible material in food packaging.

Fabrication, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of electrospun polyurethane-gelatin-carbon nanotube scaffolds for cardiovascular tissue engineering applications.

Myocardial infarction occurs because coronary arteries insufficiency is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. Recent studies have shown that tissue engineering of myocardial tissue to regenerate infarcted tissue or engineering of the coronary artery may help overcome this problem. In the present research, gelatin and single-walled carbon nanotube were firstly administrated to physico-chemically and biologically modulate polyurethane nanofibers. Electrospinning, as versatile and effective technique for production of functional nanoscale fiber, was applied. Incorporation of both gelatin and SWNTs reduced mean diameter of nanofibrous scaffolds from 210 to 140 nm, which influenced on initial cell behavior. Possible interaction between gelatin and SWNTs with polyurethane chains was evaluated using FTIR and DSC techniques. Regarding the incorporation of both gelatin and SWNTs, it was found that hydrophilicity of nanofibrous scaffolds dramatically improved. Scaffold degradation profile was adjusted by incorporation of gelatin. Biomimetic mechanical properties of composite scaffolds like normal blood vessel were developed and SWNTs improved the Young modulus and ultimate strength of scaffolds up to 16.47 ± 0.5 and 23.73 ± 0.5 MPa, respectively. However, addition of gelatin increased elongation at break due to its softening effect. The incorporation of the SWNTs led to significant enhancement of electrical conductivity of the scaffolds. Biological evaluation using SEM and MTT assay demonstrated that nanofibrous surface was covered by confluent and dense layer of both myocardial myoblast and endothelial cells after 7 days of culture, which is crucial for cardiovascular tissue engineering. Results verified that the fabricated scaffolds could be effective for cardiovascular tissue engineering.

The influence of processing and clarifier agents on the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in pekmez (a grape molasses-like syrup).

The changes in some potentially toxic elements (PTEs) including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) during pekmez (grape molasses-like syrup) processing and the utilization of various types of clarifiers (white soil, bentonite, and gelatin) in two levels (1.5 and 3% w/w) were analyzed. The average concentrations of Pb, Cd, As, Fe, Zn, and Cu in grape samples were measured as 0.055 ± 0.005, 0.030 ± 0.002, 0.044 ± 0.002, 2.882 ± 0.013, 2.372 ± 0.088, and 1.194 ± 0.01μgg-1. During pekmez production, the range of changes in Pb, Cd, As, Fe, Zn, and Cu was -43.38% to 40.25%, -55.49% to 0.23%, -76.15% to 1.80%, -74.15% to 58.47%, -40.55% to -18.12%, and -83.16% to -21.39%, respectively. The effect of the clarification process on the PTEs depended on the type and concentration of both PTE and clarifier agent used while the incorporation of gelatin resulted in a significant reduction in all of PT. Graphical abstract.

Tough and biocompatible hybrid networks prepared from methacrylated poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) and methacrylated gelatin

Hybrid networks of PTMC and gelatin were prepared and their mechanical and biological properties were investigated. First, PTMC oligomer and gelatin were methacrylated. Methacrylated macromers, PTMC-dMA and GelMA, were dissolved in DMSO/formic acid (90/10 v/v) at concentrations of 30% or 23% (w/v), at room temperature (RT) or 65 °C. Subsequently, mixtures were prepared at 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 ratios (v/v) of PTMC-dMA and GelMA. Hybrid networks and networks of only PTMC or gelatin were prepared by solvent casting followed by photo-crosslinking. Mechanical properties were investigated by tensile testing and biological properties by human smooth muscle cell proliferation on the surface of the networks. Although incorporation of gelatin in PTMC networks decreased the toughness of the networks, networks consisting of 75% PTMC and 25% gelatin still had adequate mechanical properties, e.g. for vascular tissue engineering. Hybrid networks prepared at 30% (w/v) macromer concentration at RT had the highest toughness. Cell proliferation on all hybrid networks was similar to that on 100% gelatin networks and significantly higher than on 100% PTMC networks. It is concluded that incorporation of 25% gelatin in a PTMC network is a viable strategy to increase cellular interactions with the network, while retaining sufficient mechanical properties for soft tissue engineering applications.

Co-gelation of gluten and gelatin as a novel functional material formation method

Gelatin solution was added to the gluten dispersion to obtain 25% protein from gluten and 0, 0.3, 0.6 and 1.0% of gelatin. Heat-induced gels were formed. The gelatin was leached by immersing the gel straps in distilled water at 45 °C for 2 h. Incorporation of gelatin into the gluten gel matrix resulted in its strengthening. Increase in elastic properties with the increasing amount of gelatin was also found for the macerated gels. The tangent delta showed the minimum for the leached gel with the initial concentration of gelatin 0.6%, so probably at this concentration there was some reinforcement of gluten, or the structure of gluten matrix was formed with the best ability to include gelatin inside. FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) results showed, that at the 0.6% gelatin concentration more gelatin was present in the leached samples than in the 1% gelatin added samples. Gelatin gels can act as an active filler reinforcing the gluten microstructure. Leaching of gelatin from the mixed gel matrix resulted in the microstructure with visible phase separation. Generally gelatin addition gave a surface smoothing effect and lower surface roughness of the obtained gels. Pure gluten gels soaking in hot water resulted in the decreased roughness. Possibility of manipulation with gluten gels surface roughness by co-gelling with gelatin can have an influence on the application of such gels as matrices for active ingredients.

Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan-Based Ternary Blend Edible Films with Efficient Antimicrobial Activities for Food Packaging Applications.

To improve the mechanical and antibacterial properties of chitosan (CS) films, a ternary blend edible film was prepared by incorporating CS, gelatin (GE), and natural cinnamon essential oil (CEo). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were performed to evaluate the films. The mechanical properties, light transmission, thermal stability, hydrophilicity, and antibacterial activity of the films were also determined. The results confirmed all of the films exhibited excellent UV protection with low transparency at 600nm. Compared with the CS films, the ternary composite film (CSGEo film, containing CS, GE, and CEo) had a higher elongation at break but a lower tensile strength. SEM images revealed that all films had smooth surfaces, although some obvious differences between CS and CSGEo films were observed by AFM. Additionally, the incorporation of GE and CEo to the films enhanced their thermal stability and contact angle, but decreased their crystallinity and wettability. The antimicrobial activity results showed that CSGEo films had excellent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, for which the antibacterial rate exceeded 98%. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the CSGEo solution against E. coli and S. aureus were both 52.06µg/mL, and the minimal bactericidal concentrations were 104.12 and 52.06µg/mL, respectively. These results suggest that CSGEo films possess good mechanical and antibacterial properties, and therefore, their application in the food packaging industry is promising. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The main raw materials of the edible films developed in this study are aquatic by-products, so the films are edible and biodegradable. The addition of gelatin and CEo improved the UV barrier and thermal properties but decreased the crystallinity and hydrophilicity of the films, making them suitable for use as packaging materials. CEo-incorporated films exhibited excellent mechanical properties and antibacterial activity and can, therefore, be used in the food packaging industry.

P(HEMA)-based SPH vehicles for high molecular weight protein delivery

Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), p(HEMA), -based superporous hydrogels (SPHs) in interpenetrating network (IPN)/semi-IPN form were synthesized by radical polymerization with the incorporation of gelatin, acrylic acid (AA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG 600). They are called as p(HEMA) SPH, p(HEMA)-gelatin SPH-semi IPN, p(HEMA)-gelatin SPH-IPN, p(HEMA)-PEG SPH-semi IPN, p(HEMA-co-AA) SPH and p(HEMA-co-AA)-PEG SPH-semi IPN. SPHs reached equilibrium in ∼60 s with rapid swelling in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) due to the capillary effect. AA containing SPHs showed pH-dependent swelling and p(HEMA-co-AA)-PEG SPH-semi IPNs have the highest equilibrium swelling ratio. PEG containing SPHs, pHEMA-PEG and p(HEMA-co-AA)-PEG SPHs, showed great improvement in mechanical properties. Model proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fibrinogen (FG), were loaded into SPHs by solvent sorption in a very short time (<30 min) with very high capacities. Release profiles from SPHs indicated initial burst of proteins during the first 30 min followed by a completed release in 3 h for BSA and 6 h for FG. The results indicated that, especially p(HEMA-co-AA)-PEG SPH-semi IPNs with their pH-dependent high loading capacity without causing activity loss and fast release behavior can be considered as drug delivery vehicles especially in implantable systems for high molecular weight proteins.

Surface ultrastructure, protein profile and zymography of Blastocystis species isolated from patients with colorectal carcinoma.

Oncogenic potential of Blastocystis species have been predicted on reporting the enhanced proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells by the parasite solubilized antigen in vitro, and the enhanced drug-induced carcinogenesis by infection in vivo. The present study is the first to investigate some phenotypic characters, namely the surface ultrastructure, protein profiles and protease activity of Blastocystis sp. isolated from three different clinical groups: colorectal carcinoma (CRC) patients, symptomatic and asymptomatic infected persons. Under SEM, all CRC Blastocystis sp. isolates had a very rough intensely folded surface in comparison to the less rough and completely smooth surface of all symptomatic and asymptomatic Blastocystis sp. Non-CRC isolates, respectively. Under reducing conditions, the sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis had shown a significant presence of 2 protein bands of 230 and 32KDa in 42.9% of Blastocystis sp. CRC isolates with their complete absence from Non-CRC isolates. While using non-reducing condition with the incorporation of gelatin in the gel to study the protease activity of the parasite, no significant difference existed between isolates of the three groups. In conclusion, the significant difference in surface ultrastructure and in protein profiles exists between Blastocystis sp. of CRC and Non-CRC isolates. These differences might be either secondary to the altered gut environment in the presence of CRC or are indicators of a different pathogenic potential of the parasite isolates inducing malignancy.

Enhanced mechanical and cell adhesive properties of photo-crosslinked PEG hydrogels by incorporation of gelatin in the networks

Although synthetic polymers may have suitable physicochemical properties for biomedical applications, biological properties are generally lacking. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is a frequently used polymer for the preparation of hydrogels. Due to its hydrophilic character, however, cellular interactions with PEG hydrogels are minimal or absent. To improve the cell adhesive properties of PEG hydrogels, we developed hybrid hydrogels based on PEG and the natural polymer gelatin. PEG dimethacrylate (PEG-dMA) and gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) macromers were prepared, which were photo-crosslinked in water in different ratios (75:25, 50:50 and 25:75% (v/v)). The obtained hybrid networks showed macrophase separation, which could be prevented by photo-crosslinking in 0.5% (v/v) acetic acid in water. The toughness of 50:50% PEG-dMA:GelMA hydrogels prepared in 0.5% acetic acid was 2.5 times higher than that of single polymer hydrogels made of PEG-dMA or GelMA. Hybrid hydrogels crosslinked in 0.5% acetic acid supported the proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells to the same extent as compared to 100% gelatin hydrogel, whereas the cells did not proliferate on 100% PEG hydrogel. In conclusion, our results show that both the cell adhesive and mechanical properties of a photo-crosslinked PEG network can be improved by incorporation of gelatin in the network.

Rheological, micro-structural and sensorial properties of camel milk yogurt as influenced by gelatin

Production of camel milk yogurt faces serious limitations of no or weak gel formation because of several possible factors. This study was undertaken to overcome this limitation with addition of gelatin (0–1.25%) to camel milk and comparison was made with commercial and prepared bovine milk yogurt. Chemical composition, acidity, syneresis, textural, rheological, micro-structure and organoleptic properties were studied. Syneresis was reduced significantly by gelatin addition especially at 1 and 1.25% level. Textural and rheological properties of camel milk yogurt were enhanced and were almost similar to commercial and bovine milk yogurt and a clear shift from watery to gel like phase was noticed. Structural (FTIR) analysis demonstrated a peak at 1516 cm−1 was observed to be more intense in 1.25% followed by 0.75% gelatin added yogurt. Micro-structural features were also influenced by gelatin incorporation especially in the sample added with 1.25% gelatin which appeared to be similar to bovine milk yogurt. However, sensory analysis revealed that except texture all other parameters received lower score for camel milk yogurt compared to the bovine.

The effect of plasticizers on the functional properties of biodegradable gelatin-based film: A review

Food packaging derived from a petroleum base represents a serious environmental problem. Finding alternative sustainable solutions is a must. Therefore, the current study has focused on the production of biodegradable food packaging from renewable materials, primarily gelatin. The effect of the biomaterials used on functional properties of the films produced needs thorough investigation. Gelatin represents interesting biomaterials for developing biodegradable food packaging, mainly due to their good film forming properties and abundantly in nature. However, the incorporation of gelatin in biodegradable films for food packaging may give some drawback on certain properties of the film such as tensile strength and water vapour permeability. Thus, addition of plasticizers into the film materials improves the functional properties of films by increasing their extensibility, dispensability, flexibility, elasticity, and rigidity. This study aims to review the current findings on how plasticizers impact the functional properties of biodegradable gelatin-based films. Plasticizers incorporation in the films may affect the continuity of the polymer matrix, leading to physical changes, where the films become more flexible and stretchable. Generally, the plasticization effect of plasticizers strengthens the film structure, in which the tensile strength and elongation of the films are improved and water barrier properties are reduced.

The preparation and characterization of composite materials by incorporating microspheres into a collagen/hydroxyethyl cellulose matrix

Natural ingredients and innovative delivery systems are most widely used in the development and production of many skin care products in the fields of cosmetics and pharmacy. The main goal of this study was to design, prepare and characterize materials with microspheres incorporated into a porous polymer matrix. This study covered the preparation of 3D collagen/hydroxyethyl cellulose materials with incorporated gelatin or collagen-gelatin microspheres. The structures of the obtained materials were characterized using SEM and FTIR. Additionally, porosity, density, mechanical properties, swelling properties and resistance to degradation were measured. The obtained materials were loaded with pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) flower extract and the in vitro release was studied. The data indicated that the incorporation of gelatin and collagen-gelatin microspheres into polymeric matrices decreased their porosity and swelling properties, however, it increased their density and stiffness as well as their association with pot marigold flower extract. These materials may become the basis for a cosmetic or dermatological formulation.

Differentiation of Human Scalp Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Mature Neural Cells on Electrospun Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Nerve Tissue Engineering Applications.

Objective This study aimed to isolate and culture SADS cells, investigate their neurogenic capacity and evaluate their application for nerve tissue engineering. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, SADS cells were isolated from human adipose tissue. After 7-day treatment of SADS cells with insulin, indomethacin and isobutylmethylxanthine, neurogenic differentiation of SADS cells was investigated. During this study, Poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and PCL/gelatin nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated using electrospinning and subsequently nanofibrous scaffolds were coated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). SADS cells were also seeded on nanofibrous scaffolds and neurogentic differentiation of these cells on nanofibers was also evaluated. Effect of PRP on proliferation and differentiation of SADS cells on scaffolds was also studied. Results Our results showed that after 7-day treatment of SADS cells with insulin, indomethacin and isobutylmethylxanthine, SADS cells expressed markers characteristic of neural cells such as nestin and neuron specific nuclear protein (NEUN) (as early neuronal markers) as well as microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) and neuronal microtubule-associated (TAU) (as mature neuronal markers) while mature astrocyte maker (GFAP) was not expressed. MTT assay and SEM results showed that incorporation of gelatin and PRP into the structure of nanofibrous scaffolds has a significant positive influence on the bioactivity of scaffolds. Our results also showed neurogentic differentiation of SADS cells on scaffolds. ConclusionOur results demonstrated that SADS cells have potential to differentiate into early and mature progenitor neurons, in vitro. PCL/gelatin/PRP was found to be a promising substrate for proliferation of SADS cells and differentiation of these cells into neural cells which make these scaffolds a candidate for further in vivo experiments and suggest their application for nerve tissue engineering.

Green Approach to Improving the Strength and Flame Retardancy of Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Clay Aerogels: Incorporating Biobased Gelatin.

Biobased gelatins were used to improve the compressive properties and flammability of poly(vinyl alcohol)/montmorillonite (PVA/MMT) aerogels, fabricated using a simple and environmentally friendly freeze-drying method. Because of the excellent compatibility and strong interfacial adhesion between PVA and gelatin, the compressive moduli of aerogels were enhanced dramatically with the incorporation of gelatin. PVA/MMT/porcine-gelatin aerogels exhibit compressive modulus values as much as 12.4 MPa, nearly 300% that of the control PVA/MMT aerogel. The microstructure of the PVA/MMT/gelatin aerogels shows a three-dimensional co-continuous network. Combustion testing demonstrated that with the addition of gelatin, the self-extinguishing time of the aerogel was cut by half and the limiting-oxygen-index values increased to 28.5%. The peak heat-release rate, obtained from cone calorimetry, also decreased with the incorporation of gelatin. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the gelatins slowed the sharp decomposition of the PVA matrix polymer and increased the thermal stability of the aerogels at the major decomposition stage of the composite aerogels. These results indicate that as a green, biobased material, gelatin could simultaneously improve the mechanical properties and the properties of flame retardancy.

Nano-fibrous and ladder-like multi-channel nerve conduits: Degradation and modification by gelatin

We recently fabricated multi-channel PLLA nerve conduits (NCs, conduits diameter: ~3mm, channels diameter: ~200μm) with nano-fibrous microstructure (NNCs) and ladder-like microstructure (LNCs), and found the nanofibers in the NNCs promote differentiation of nerve stem cells (NSCs) into neurons. In the present study, we evaluated the degradation profile of NNCs and LNCs, and observed that NNCs degraded too fast to implant. To delay the degradation and retain the nano-scale effect of NNCs, we used gelatin to wrap (2% w/v gelatin) or embed (8% w/v gelatin) NNCs and LNCs via vacuum infusion and chemical cross-linking with genipin. NNCs-wrapped maintained their original nano-fibrous microstructure, but NNCs-embedded presented a porous morphology without nanofibers appearing. Incorporation of gelatin did not change their compressive moduli, but increased the creep recovery ratios of LNCs and NNCs. In vitro degradation revealed that integrity was maintained and the mass loss was <5% for NNCs-wrapped after 10weeks, in comparison with 15% mass loss and collapsed structure of the pure NNCs after 4weeks. Meanwhile, there were no obvious changes in the degradation of LNCs with modification. Nerve stem cells (NSCs) were then seeded onto the six NCs represented as: NNCs, NNCs-wrapped, NNCs-embedded, LNCs, LNCs-wrapped, and LNCs-embedded. Immunocytochemistry analysis demonstrated that gelatin coating enhanced the adhesion and proliferation of NSCs, and the NNCs-wrapped scaffold promoted the differentiation proportion of NSCs into neurons from 25.8% (on pure NNCs) to 53.4% after 14days of seeding. On the other hand, only 14.3% of neurons were derived from the differentiation of the seeded NSCs on the NNCs-embedded. NNCs-wrapped would be a good choice for future studies in nerve injury repair in vivo due to its appropriate degradation rate, flexibility, and nano-scale effect.

Synthesis and characterization of mechanically strong carboxymethyl cellulose–gelatin–hydroxyapatite nanocomposite for load-bearing orthopedic application

Novel three-dimensional hybrid polymer–hydroxyapatite nanocomposites have been developed as load-bearing synthetic bone graft through in situ mineralization process, using natural polymers carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and gelatin (Gel) as matrix. This process is simple and does not involve any chemical cross-linker. Detailed structural and physicochemical characterization of the samples disclosed that incorporation of gelatin with CMC assists the formation of CMC-Gel polymeric network of new conformational structure through non-covalent interactions (H-bond). The formation of hydroxyapatite (HA) in this polymeric network was occurred in such a fashion that the HA serves as bridging molecule which strengthen the polymeric network more and formed a mechanically strong three-dimensional CMC-Gel-HA nanocomposite. The synthesized CMC-Gel-HA nanocomposites have compressive strength and modulus in the range of 40–86 MPa and 0.4–1.2 GPa, respectively, analogous to human cancellous as well as cortical bone. In vitro cell interaction of the synthesized nanocomposites with osteoblast-like MG-63 cells has been evaluated. Results showed that synthesized CMC-Gel-HA nanocomposite promote cells for high alkaline phosphatase activity and extracellular mineralization. Extracellular mineralization ability of nanocomposite was investigated by alizarin red staining and von Kossa staining. Biodegradable nature and bone apatite formation ability of CMC-Gel-HA nanocomposite under simulated physiological environment were investigated by different characterization processes. Results indicated that the synthesized CMC-Gel-HA nanocomposite has great potential to be used as regenerative bone graft in major load-bearing region.

Soft Confinement Effects on Dynamics of Hydrated Gelatin

Soft materials under geometrical confinement are ubiquitous and known to exhibit fascinating properties, sometimes even antagonistic to their bulk counterpart. Here, we explore the structural relaxation dynamics (α-relaxation) of the biopolymer gelatin dissolved in water (bulk form) and under soft spatial confinement using dielectric relaxation spectroscopy over a wide frequency range starting from 1 Hz up to 2 GHz. The gelatin–water mixture (hydrated gelatin) is geometrically restricted by the soft fluctuating surfactant monolayer of water–AOT (sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate)-n-decane reverse microemulsions (MEs), where the core size of microemulsion droplets varies from 3.7 to 5.0 nm. The stability of the droplet phase of microemulsion after the incorporation of gelatin is confirmed by the small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiment. Notably, the hydrated gelatin in soft confinement exhibits faster relaxation dynamics in comparison to its bulk counterpart, and it further gets accelerated wi...