The Properties of Chitosan-Gelatin Scaffolds by Once or Twice Vacuum Freeze-Drying Methods

Abstract

Twice vacuum freeze-drying is widely used protocol to prepare chitosan-gelatin scaffolds. To obtain scaffolds with improved performance, by adjusting glutaraldehyde content in chitosan-gelatin solutions, we compared once and twice drying with respect to production, density, porosity, water absorption and compression properties. Porosity, water absorption and compression properties were increased, while density was reduced by adding glutaraldehyde. Drying times did not affect density and porosity, but they determined water absorption. Variations of compression properties were caused by neutralizing treatment. Taken together, our results suggest twice drying could be omitted when porosity, water absorption and compression properties are important.

Keywords:

• Chitosan
• Gelatin
• Glutaraldehyde
• Mechanical property

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This study was supported by Natural Science Foundation of Shanxi Province of China (No. 2013011002-4).