Water-Insoluble, Thermostable, Crosslinked Gelatin Matrix for Soft Tissue Implant Development

In this present study, the material science background of crosslinked gelatin (GEL) was investigated. The aim was to assess the optimal reaction parameters for the production of a water-insoluble crosslinked gelatin matrix suitable for heat sterilization. Matrices were subjected to enzymatic degradation assessments, and their ability to withstand heat sterilization was evaluated. The impact of different crosslinkers on matrix properties was analyzed. It was found that matrices crosslinked with butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE) and poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEGDE) were resistant to enzymatic degradation and heat sterilization. Additionally, at 1 v/v % crosslinker concentration, the crosslinked weight was lower than the starting weight, suggesting simultaneous degradation and crosslinking. The crosslinked weight and swelling ratio were optimal in the case of the matrices that were crosslinked with 3% and 5% v/v BDDE and PEGDE. FTIR analysis confirmed crosslinking, and the reduction of free primary amino groups indicated effective crosslinking even at a 1% v/v crosslinker concentration. Moreover, stress-strain and compression characteristics of the 5% v/v BDDE crosslinked matrix were comparable to native gelatin. Based on material science measurements, the crosslinked matrices may be promising candidates for scaffold development, including properties such as resistance to enzymatic degradation and heat sterilization.