Increasing Gelatin Content Research Articles

Fabrication and evaluation of gelatin cryogels for curcumin controlled release via transdermal iontophoresis

Transdermal drug delivery system delivers a drug through skin to the desired cells. Its use is limited due to the poor drug diffusion through the outer skin layer. The aim of this work was to fabricate and characterize the gelatin cryogel matrices for the targeted transdermal curcumin delivery via iontophoresis for the breast cancer treatment. The gelatin cryogels were fabricated at various concentrations under the freeze-drying method. FTIR, SEM, STA, and BET were utilized to characterize the gelatin cryogels and curcumin loaded gelatin cryogels. The curcumin release behavior was investigated under the effects of gelatin concentrations, electric fields, pig skin permeation, and pHs. The gelatin cryogel matrices possessed the interconnected pore sizes between 56.61 μm and 129.67 μm, in which the pore size increased with increasing gelatin concentration. The curcumin percentage released from the 1.5%v/v PSG cryogel was 89.7 %, relatively higher than the 0.8%v/v PSG cryogels. Under the effect of electric fields of 3V and 6V, the curcumin release percentages from the 1.5%v/v PSG cryogel were increased to reach 94.7 % and 96.0 %, respectively. For the release-permeation of curcumin through the pig skin, the curcumin release percentages from the 1.5%v/v PSG cryogel under the electric fields of 0V, 3V, and 6V became lower at 38.45 %, 46.33 %, and 72.33 %, respectively, as the pig skin was the obstacle in the curcumin diffusion. Slightly higher release rates and amounts of curcumin from the 1.5%v/v PSG cryogel were observed at the of pH 5.5 relative to the pH of 7.4, and at the electric field of 6V relative to 0V. The effect of applied electric field was shown to shorten the delivery time from the PSG cryogel. The 1.5%v/v PSG cryogel under applied electric field 6V was shown here as a potential biobased matrix to be used in the curcumin transdermal delivery via iontophoresis for cancer treatment.

Gelatin Enhances the Wet Mechanical Properties of Poly(D,L-Lactic Acid) Membranes.

Biodegradable (BP) poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) membranes are widely used in tissue engineering. Here, we investigate the effects of varying concentrations of PDLLA/gelatin membranes electrospun in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP; C3H2F6O) solvent on their mechanical and physical properties as well as their biocompatibility. Regardless of the environmental conditions, increasing the gelatin content resulted in elevated stress and reduced strain at membrane failure. There was a remarkable difference in strain-to-failure between dry and wet PDLLA/gelatin membranes, with wet strains consistently higher than those of the dry membranes because of the hydrophilic nature of gelatin. A similar wet strain (εw = 2.7-3.0) was observed in PDLLA/gelatin membranes with a gelatin content between 10 and 40%. Both dry and wet stresses increased with increasing gelatin content. The dry stress on PDLLA/gelatin membranes (σd = 6.7-9.7 MPa) consistently exceeded the wet stress (σw = 4.5-8.6 MPa). The water uptake capacity (WUC) improved, increasing from 57% to 624% with the addition of 40% gelatin to PDLLA. PDLLA/gelatin hybrid membranes containing 10 to 20 wt% gelatin exhibited favorable wet mechanical properties (σw = 5.4-6.3 MPa; εw = 2.9-3.0); WUC (337-571%), degradability (11.4-20.2%), and excellent biocompatibility.

Modulating peppermint oil flavor release properties of emulsion-filled protein gels: Impact of cross-linking method and matrix composition

For some food applications, it is desirable to control the flavor release profiles of volatile flavor compounds. In this study, the effects of crosslinking method and protein composition on the flavor release properties of emulsion-filled protein hydrogels were explored, using peppermint essential oil as a model volatile compound. Emulsion-filled protein gels with different properties were prepared using different crosslinking methods and gelatin concentrations. Flavor release from the emulsion gels was then monitored using an electronic nose, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and sensory evaluation. Enzyme-crosslinked gels had greater hardness and storage modulus than heat-crosslinked ones. The hardness and storage modulus of the gels increased with increasing gelatin concentration. For similar gel compositions, flavor release and sensory perception were faster from the heat-crosslinked gels than the enzyme-crosslinked ones. For the same crosslinking method, flavor release and perception decreased with increasing gelatin concentration, which was attributed to retardation of flavor diffusion through the hydrogel matrix. Overall, this study shows that the release of hydrophobic aromatic substances can be modulated by controlling the composition and crosslinking of protein hydrogels, which may be useful for certain food applications.

Preparation, physicochemical characterization and swelling properties of composite hydrogel microparticles based on gelatin and pectins with different structure

Composite hydrogel microparticles based on pectins with different structures (callus culture pectin (SVC) and apple pectin (AU)) and gelatin were developed. Hydrogel microparticles were formed by the ionotropic gelation and electrostatic interaction of COO− groups of pectin and NH3+ groups of gelatin, which was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The addition of gelatin to pectin-based gel formulations resulted in a decrease in gel strength, whereas increasing gelatin concentration enhanced this effect. The microparticle gel strength increased in proportion to the increase in the pectin concentration. The DSC and TGA analyzes showed that pectin-gelatin gels had the higher thermal stability than individual pectins. The gel strength, Ca2+ content and thermal stability of the microparticles based on gelatin and SVC pectin with a lower degree of methylesterification (DM) (14.8 %) were higher compared to that of microparticles based on gelatin and AU pectin with a higher DM (40 %). An increase in the SVC concentration, Ca2+ content and gel strength of SVC-gelatin microparticles led to a decrease in the swelling degree in simulated gastrointestinal fluids. The addition of 0.5 % gelatin to gels based on AU pectin resulted in increased stability of the microparticles in gastrointestinal fluids, while the microparticles from AU without gelatin were destroyed.

Preparation of porous-structured flat potato starch noodles with gelatin for shortening cooking time

Although dried flat starch noodles have been widely popular in Asian countries, the problem of long rehydration time needs to be solved. In this study, dried flat potato starch noodles with porous structure were constructed by adding gelatin to shorten the cooking time. Compared with pure flat potato starch noodles, the rehydration time of the dried flat potato starch noodles supplemented with 15% gelatin was reduced by 50.38%, from 11.75 ± 0.18 min to 5.83 ± 0.21 min. The results of scanning electron microscopy showed that the pore number of dried flat potato starch noodles increased with an increase in gelatin concentration, and the average diameter of pores ranged from 80.56 μm to 273.64 μm. The results of small-angle X-ray scattering showed that the mass fractal dimension value decreased from 1.769 (control noodles) to 1.308 (noodles with 20% gelatin), indicating that the starch aggregate structure was loosened due to the addition of gelatin. This loose structure was conducive to the diffusion of water in the cooking process of dried flat potato starch noodles. These findings indicated that the addition of gelatin, especially at the appropriate concentration, is effective in improving the cooking quality of noodles.

Adhesivity-tuned bioactive gelatin/gellan hybrid gels drive efficient wound healing

Gelatin-based hydrogels have been widely used for wound healing applications. However, increase in ligand density and reduction in pore size with increasing gelatin concentration may delay wound healing by limiting cell infiltration. In this study, we address this shortcoming by combining gelatin with gellan—which is super hydrophilic and non-adhesive to cells. We show that UV crosslinked hybrid gels composed of methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) and methacrylated gellan gum (mGG), possess considerably larger pores and improved mechanical properties compared to GelMA gels. Reduced spreading and reduced formation of focal adhesions on hybrid gels combined with lower contractility and faster detachment upon trypsin-induced de-adhesion suggests that hybrid gels are less adhesive than GelMA gels. Gradual release of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) incorporated in hybrid gels not only boosts cell migration, but also confers anti-bacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria at concentrations nontoxic to cells. Full thickness wound healing in Wistar rats revealed increased granulation tissue formation in hybrid gels, fastest epithelialization and highest collagen deposition in rats treated with FGF entrapped hybrid gels. Together, our results demonstrate how adhesive tuning and incorporation of bioactive factors can be synergistically combined for achieving complete wound healing.

DEVELOPMENT, CHARACTERIZATION, AND EVALUATION OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF BIODEGRADABLE POROUS SCAFFOLDS LOADED WITH NATURAL VANILLIN

Objective: The study's objective is to create biodegradable porous scaffolds that are filled with natural vanillin and assess their in vitro antibacterial activity. Methods: Scaffolds were fabricated by blending different ratios of chitosan and gelatin along with vanillin using the freeze-drying method. Then the following characterization and evaluation of scaffolds, such as FTIR, SEM, porosity, swelling behaviour, degradation studies, in vitro drug release, and antibacterial studies, were carried out. Results: All of the scaffolds that were created had heterogeneous, well-connected pores and were pale yellow in color. This was validated by SEM, where the porosity is greater than 80% and the mean pore size ranges from 105.25±6.35 µm to 188.58±7.51 µm. With an increase in gelatin concentration, all of the scaffolds showed the maximum water absorption and retention capabilities of 760.15%±4.38% and 664.73%±5.82%. In the 7-day degradation investigation, all samples lost close to 60% of their mass. In the formulation CG11, the vanillin was released gradually over about 96 h. According to the present study, the developed scaffolds CG13-A and CG13-B, as well as CG11-A and CG11-B, displayed a higher zone of inhibition. Conclusion: Due to its potent antibacterial capabilities, it may be inferred from the current research that vanillin clothed in chitosan-gelatin scaffolds would be a superior option for treating various wound infections, including diabetic wounds.

Preparation and physicochemical properties of nanocellulose lightweight porous materials: The regulating effect of gelatin.

The composite lightweight porous material (TOCNF-G-LPM) based on TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibril (TOCNF) and gelatin were facilely prepared by ambient pressure drying using glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent. The influence of gelatin addition on the physicochemical properties of TOCNF-G-LPM was investigated. The long-size entangled structure of TOCNF maintained the skeleton network of TOCNF-G-LPM while gelatin can adjust the characteristics of highly porous network (porosity of 98.53%-97.40%) and light weight (density of 0.0236-0.0372g/cm3) with increasing gelatin concentration (0.2-1.0wt%). The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) indicated that the internal structure of TOCNF-G-LPM became more ordered, uniform and denser as gelatin concentration increased. Introducing gelatin decreased water and oil absorption properties, but improved the thermal, mechanical properties and shape recovery ability of TOCNF-G-LPM at appropriate addition. Furthermore, TOCNF-G-LPM showed no significant effect on the growth and reproduction of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), confirming a good biocompatibility.

Electrospun Poly(L-Lactic Acid)/Gelatin Hybrid Polymer as a Barrier to Periodontal Tissue Regeneration.

Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and PLLA/gelatin polymers were prepared via electrospinning to evaluate the effect of PLLA and gelatin content on the mechanical properties, water uptake capacity (WUC), water contact angle (WCA), degradation rate, cytotoxicity and cell proliferation of membranes. As the PLLA concentration increased from 1 wt% to 3 wt%, the tensile strength increased from 5.8 MPa to 9.1 MPa but decreased to 7.0 MPa with 4 wt% PLLA doping. The WUC decreased rapidly from 594% to 236% as the PLLA content increased from 1 to 4 wt% due to the increased hydrophobicity of PLLA. As the gelatin content was increased to 3 wt% PLLA, the strength, WUC and WCA of the PLLA/gelatin membrane changed from 9.1 ± 0.9 MPa to 13.3 ± 2.3 MPa, from 329% to 1248% and from 127 ± 1.2° to 0°, respectively, with increasing gelatin content from 0 to 40 wt%. However, the failure strain decreased from 3.0 to 0.5. The biodegradability of the PLLA/gelatin blend increased from 3 to 38% as the gelatin content increased to 40 wt%. The viability of L-929 and MG-63 cells in the PLLA/gelatin blend was over 95%, and the excellent cell proliferation and mechanical properties suggested that the tunable PLLA/gelatin barrier membrane was well suited for absorbable periodontal tissue regeneration.

Synthesis of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)-Gelatin Hydrogel from White Snapper (Lates calcarifer, Bloch) with Gamma Irradiation and Its Characterizations

The application of nuclear technology in the health sector is increasing. One example is the use of irradiation in production of wound dressings. Research activities have been conducted to study whether polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-gelatin-based hydrogel from white snapper scales can be processed using gamma irradiation into wound dressings. A series of PVA (10 %) solutions containing gelatin in various concentrations (0-4 %) were treated with three freeze-thaw cycles and then irradiated at doses of 10 and 20 kGy. They were subsequently characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Gel fraction, water absorption, and percentage of hydrogel water evaporation rate were tested gravimetrically, while the elongation at break and the tensile strength of the hydrogels were tested with a universal testing meter. The evaluation showed that the hydrogel gel fraction decreased with increasing gelatin concentration from 0 % to 4 % for both irradiation doses (10 and 20 kGy). The rising gelatin concentration demonstrated that increasing gamma radiation dose improved the hydrogel's water absorption, evaporation rate, tensile strength, and elongation at break. PVA-gelatin hydrogel with irregular pore structure was observed from SEM test results. The FTIR measurement results confirmed the formation of crosslinks in the hydrogel matrix. The PVA-gelatin hydrogel produced through gamma irradiation could be used for wound dressings.

Glucose-Responsive Microparticle-Loaded Dissolving Microneedles for Selective Delivery of Metformin: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that is one of the most common health problems in the world, primarily type 2 DM (T2DM). Metformin (MTF), as the first-line treatment of DMT2, is effective in lowering glucose levels, but its oral administration causes problems, including gastrointestinal side effects, low bioavailability, and the risk of hypoglycemia. In this study, we formulated MTF into microparticles incorporating a glucose-responsive polymer (MP-MTF-GR), which could potentially increase the bioavailability and extend and control the release of MTF according to glucose levels. This system was delivered by dissolving microneedles (MP-MTF-GR-DMN), applied through the skin, thereby preventing gastrointestinal side effects of orally administered MTF. MP-MTF-GR was formulated using various concentrations of gelatin as a polymer combined with phenylboronic acid (PBA) as a glucose-responsive material. MP-MTF-GR was encapsulated in DMN using polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as DMN polymers. The physicochemical evaluation of MP-MTF-GR showed that MTF could be completely entrapped in MP with the percentage of MTF trapped increasing with increasing gelatin concentration without changing the chemical structure of MTF and producing stable MP. In addition, the results of the physicochemical evaluation of MP-MTF-GR-DMN showed that DMN had adequate mechanical strength properties and penetration ability and was stable to environmental changes. The results of the in vitro release and ex vivo permeation study on media with various concentrations of glucose showed that the release and permeation of MTF from the formula increased with increasing glucose levels in the media. The MP-MTF-GR-DMN formula successfully delivered MTF through the skin at 11.30 ± 0.29, 23.31 ± 1.64, 36.12 ± 3.77, and 53.09 ± 3.01 μg from PBS, PBS + glucose 1%, PBS + glucose 2%, and PBS + glucose 4%, respectively, at 24 h, which indicates glucose-responsive permeation and release behavior. The formula developed was also proven to be nontoxic based on hemolysis tests. Importantly, the in vivo study on the rat model showed that this combination approach could provide a better glucose reduction compared to other routes, reducing the blood glucose level to normal levels after 3 h and maintaining this level for 8 h. Furthermore, this approach did not change the skin moisture of the rats. This MP-MTF-GR-DMN is a promising alternative to MTF delivery to overcome MTF problems and increase the effectiveness of T2DM therapy.

Structure-Related Mechanical Properties and Bioactivity of Silica-Gelatin Hybrid Aerogels for Bone Regeneration.

We report the synthesis of mesoporous silica-gelatin hybrid aerogels with 15, 25, and 30 wt. % gelatin contents, using 3-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) as a coupling agent, for tissue-engineering applications. Aerogels were obtained using a one-step sol-gel process followed by CO2 supercritical drying, resulting in crack-free monolith samples with bulk densities ranging from 0.41 g cm-3 to 0.66 g cm-3. Nitrogen adsorption measurements revealed an interconnected mesopore network and a general decrease in the textural parameters: specific surface areas (651-361 m2 g-1), pore volume (1.98-0.89 cm3 g-1), and pore sizes (10.8-8.6 nm), by increasing gelatin content. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and uniaxial compression experiments confirmed that the structure, thermal properties and mechanical behavior of these aerogels changed significantly when the concentration of gelatin reached 25 wt.%, suggesting that this composition corresponds to the percolation threshold of the organic phase. In addition, the samples exhibited hydrophilic behavior and extremely fast swelling in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), with swelling ratios from 2.32 to 3.32. Furthermore, in vitro bioactivity studies revealed a strong relationship between the kinetics of the nucleation and growth processes of hydroxyapatite in simulated body fluid (SBF) and the gelatin content. The live/dead assay revealed no cytotoxicity in HOB® osteoblasts in vitro and a positive influence on cell growth, focal adhesion development, and cytoskeletal arrangement for cell adhesion. Mineralization assays confirmed the positive effects of the samples on osteoblast differentiation. The biomaterials described are versatile, can be easily sterilized and are suitable for a wide range of applications in bone tissue-engineering, either alone or in combination with bioactive-reinforced phases.

Fractional viscoelastic models of porcine skin and its gelatin-based surrogates

Viscoelasticity of porcine skin and its material substitute, modelled by variously concentrated bovine gelatin, was determined in static (creep test) and dynamic (oscillatory test) mode by the means of rotational rheometry to obtain creep compliance and complex shear modulus. Mechanical properties characterization was also supplemented with large deformation compression test in order to determine and correlate shear and compression moduli of gelatin with its concentration dependence. Obtained data was fitted with fractional viscoelastic models (Poynting-Thomson, Maxwell) in order to quantify in detail gelatin's transition from viscous-like behavior towards solid-like state with increasing gelatin concentration and hence crosslinking density. Potential of gelatin as biomaterial for skin surrogate was identified as well as a concentration region in which gelatin exhibits closest viscoelastic behavior to native porcine skin used.

Combined Effect of Drying Temperature and Varied Gelatin Concentration on Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Ginger Oil Incorporated Chitosan Based Edible Films.

In the present work, ginger essential oil (GEO) loaded chitosan (CS) based films incorporated with varying concentrations of gelatin (GE) were fabricated and dried at different conditions (25 °C and 45 °C). The physio-chemical, mechanical and antioxidant potential of the films were determined. Films dried at 45 °C showed better physical attributes and less thickness, swelling degree (SD), moisture content, water vapor permeability (WVP), more transparency, and better mechanical characteristics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the chemical composition and interaction between the functional groups of the film components. X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) findings revealed that samples dried at 45 °C had more crystalline structure, were thermally stable, and smoother. Antioxidant results showed that films dried at low temperature showed comparatively more (p < 0.0001) antioxidant activity. Additionally, an increase in gelatin concentration improved the tensile strength and swelling factor (p < 0.05), however, had no significant impact on other parameters. The overall results suggested better characteristics of GEO-loaded CS-GE based edible films when dried at 45 °C.

Adjusting the interfacial property and emulsifying property of cellulose nanofibrils by ultrasonic treatment combined with gelatin addition

In this work, the effect of different ultrasonic power (0, 15%, 45%, and 75%) and different gelatin concentration (0, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%, w/v) on the interfacial property and emulsifying property of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) obtained by ball milling treated were studied. Results showed that ultrasonic treatment destroyed the original structure and amorphous region of CNF, exposed more hydroxyl (0.692–0.736) and hydrophobic regions, and increased the crystallinity (61.40%–69.10%) and wettability (41.5°–65.6°) of CNF. The improved wettability promoted its adsorption at the oil-water interface, increased the interaction of CNF at the interface and then improved the stability of the interfacial film dominated by elasticity (5.78 mN/m-16.36 mN/m). Furthermore, gelatin was added by two step emulsification to further improve the stability of CNF-stabilized emulsion due to the poor stability. At a lower gelatin concentration (0.5%), the gelatin was mainly adsorbed in continuous phase and accompanied by slight interfacial adsorption. With the increase of gelatin concentration (1.0%–1.5%), the more gelatin was gradually adsorbed on the interface to replace CNF, formed the gelatin dominated interfacial film, and accompanied by the formation of a tight three dimensional network structure due to the improvement of the entanglement between gelatin and CNF (CLSM), and then significantly ( p < 0.05) increased the rheological properties, water holding capacity (WHC, 58.81%–73.28%) and stability of the emulsion. Therefore, this study could provide a theoretical basis for the regulation of interfacial property and emulsifying property of CNF. • Ultrasonic treatment improved the interfacial property of CNF. • The CNF treated by ultrasonic (75%) showed the most stable interfacial film. • The addition of gelatin could obviously enhance the emulsifying property of CNF. • Gelatin could cooperate with CNF to form a compact three dimensional network. • The CNF/gelatin-stabilized emulsion showed great stability.

Preparation and characterization of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate)/gelatin composite nanofibrous

In order to compound gelatin (GEL) with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3,4HB)) to improve the hydrophilicity and biocompatibility, a simple and convenient method for preparing P(3,4HB)/GEL composite nanofibrous (P/G-CNF) was proposed. Alkyl Polyglycoside (APG) was used as an emulsifier to prepare a stable P(3,4HB)/GEL composite solution, and novel P/G-CNF was prepared by electrospinning. The intermolecular interaction, micromorphology and porosity, crystallization and mechanical properties, hydrophilicity and cytocompatibility of P/G-CNF were characterized. The results reveal that P(3,4HB), APG and GEL form many hydrogen bonds. When the m(P(3,4HB):GEL) is 10:2, the as-prepared nanofibrous exhibit the best micromorphology with a diameter and porosity of 604 nm and 68.33%. With the increasing GEL content, the crystallization and mechanical properties of P(3,4HB)/GEL composite nanofibrous scaffold (P/G-CNS) are further enhanced and decline after reaching the maximum. The hydrophilicity of P/G-CNS is significantly improved by introducing GEL. The cell proliferation rate of P/G-CNS is higher than 100%, of which the cytotoxicity grade is 0, indicating that it is non-cytotoxic. The P/G-CNS has excellent cytocompatibility and provides better cell attachment, growth and proliferation, showing promising application prospects for tissue regeneration and biomedical materials.

Gelatin microgel-stabilized high internal phase emulsion for easy industrialization: Preparation, interfacial behavior and physical stability

This study mainly focused on the preparation and physical stability of easily industrialized gelatin microgel-stabilized high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) through different preparation conditions and its regulation mechanism. The droplet size of emulsion was smaller at higher dispersion speed (> 15,000 rpm) and time (> 60 s). The interfacial behavior results demonstrated that increasing gelatin concentration (0.1– 2.0 wt%) could promote its adsorption at the oil/water interface (π10800 increased from 12.12 to 19.96 mM/m), making more gelatin molecules participate in the formation of interface and continuous phase network structure. At a higher gelatin concentration (2.0 wt%), the obtained HIPE presented a smaller droplet size and higher viscosity, and exhibited good thermal stability (90 °C for 20 min) and storage stability. This work systematically analyzed the effect of preparation conditions on the formation and stability of HIPE stabilized by gelatin microgel, which could provide a beneficial and innovative reference for its industrial application and design.

In Vitro Release of Metformin HCl from Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) - Gelatin Hydrogels Prepared by Gamma Irradiation

The aim of this present work is to use polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) – gelatin-based hydrogel prepared by γ-rays irradiation with different gelatin concentrations ranging from 0.5 - 2 %w/v for immobilization of Metformin HC l (MH) at dose range of 0 - 30 mg. The mixture were freezed-thawed for 3 cycles, irradiated using γ-rays with sterilization dose at 25 kGy (dose rates 5 kGy/h). Gel fraction and water absorption were determined gravimetrically. The surface morphology of hydrogels were observed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). In vitro release of MH were taken using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. After evaluated, it was found that with increasing gelatin concentrations, gel fraction increases and water absorption decreases. With increasing gelatin concentration and drug dosage, the cumulative drug released decreases. From SEM observation, the hydrogel had a heterogeneous porous. The hydrogel based on PVA-gelatin can be considered as a matrix for controlled drug release and safe for humans since both PVA and gelatin are non-toxic.

Polyethersulfone/gelatin nano-membranes for the Rhodamine B dye removal and textile industry effluents treatment under cost effective condition

Nanofiltration modified Polyethersulfone (PES) membranes using gelatin biopolymer were prepared via a phase inversion method for textile wastewater treatment. Polyethersulfone (PES) good mechanical, chemical and thermal stability have made it a good candidate in fabricating membranes for the application in medical and industrial wastewater treatment. However, the high hydrophobicity of polyethersulfone has limited its wide application. In this study, blending with a low cost and sustainable biopolymer, gelatin, has been employed. Gelatin dissolved in acetic acid was blended with PES in different ratios1%, 3%, 5% and 7% to elevate PES performance to the nanofilteration level using low pressure for separation (2 and 3 bar). Spectral and thermal analysis were employed to study chemical structure and surface morphology of the prepared membranes. The increase in hydrophilicity was detected by contact angle measurement along with increasing gelatin content. As a result, 427.5% improvement in water flux was recognized by adding 3% of gelatin to PES (3G). 3G membrane showed the highest rejection ratio (98%) of cationic dye, Rodamine B dye (RB). Compared to the pure PES membrane, 3G showed a remarkable antifouling performance. By implementing 3G for the treatment of textile waste, chemical oxygen demand (COD) % removal was 67.7. These results show the good candidacy of the prepared membrane for the treatment of textile industrial fluids and reuse of treated wastewater in the dying process.

Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Biodegradable Composites Based on graft copolymer LLDPE-g-MA/Gelatin

The uncontrolled development of morphology at the stage of formation of biodegradable compositions based on synthetic and natural polymers limits the possibility of achieving satisfactory physical and mechanical and operational characteristics. In the present work, to achieve finely dispersed mixture morphology, an approach was proposed for reactive mixing of functionalized polyethylene with gelatin to form a linear low density polyethylene-grafted-maleic anhydride and gelatin (LLDPE-g-MA/GEL) graft copolymer. Using the selective extraction of the mixture components, we determined amount of graft copolymer LLDPE-g-MA/GEL, free gelatin, mechanical and thermal properties, as well as biodegradability data. It was found that as the amount of maleic groups in the polyethylene macromolecule increased, the amount of graft copolymer increased, and an increase in the content of gelatin in the blend led to a noticeable increase in the elastic modulus, tensile strength, and a decrease in elongation at break. Due to the degradation of gelatin, the thermal stability of the composite (initial temperature) decreased with increasing gelatin content. The maximum rate of destruction of the graft copolymer in the temperature range of 400–500 ºC increased markedly with an increase in the content of gelatin. It was found that the rate of biodegradability would increase with an increase in the content of gelatin in the blend; the maximum level of degradation was observed during the first 10 days and was more than 50 %. It was found that the maximum degree of grafting LLDPE-g-MA and gelatin to each other depended on the amount of maleic anhydride in the graft copolymer. The maximum degree of grafting was ob-served to be higher with increasing amount of maleic anhydride in the composites.