Some factors affecting properties of elastin-fibrin biomaterial

The elasticity, mechanical strength and permeability of a new biomaterial made of elastin and fibrin were investigated. It was shown that gamma-irradiation to sterilize the product, and sulphur derivatives (Merceptyl, thiourea, cystein) working as reticulating agents modified these properties. Depending on whether or not the biomaterial needs to be stiff, strong or elastic both physical processes could intervene separately or together. The good permeability of this material allows it to be used in several surgical fields as a true artificial connective matrix.