The properties of gelatin-poly (gamma-glutamic acid) hydrogels as biological glues.
The influence of the molecular weight and the type of gelatin (A or B), as well as the molecular weight of poly (gamma-glutamic acid) (gamma-PGA), on the properties of gelatin/gamma-PGA mixed bioadhesives were studied. The gelation of the system was enhanced by a crosslinker, 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-(ethylcarbodiimide) hydrochloride (EDC). The gelation time of the bioadhesives was analyzed using rheological measurements. The results indicated that the type of gelatin was a critical factor in determining the gelation time of the biological glues. The mixed glues had greater bonding strength and smaller gelation times as the molecular weight of gamma-PGA or gelatin increased. The swelling ratio decreased and the denaturation temperature increased upon raising the EDC concentration, indicating a greater degree of crosslinking at higher EDC concentrations. The mixed glues crosslinked with various concentrations of EDC (1.7-2.5%) showed no cytotoxicity to fibroblasts. In addition, no significant inflammatory response was observed in the rat subcutaneous implantation. The bioadhesives based on gelatin/gamma-PGA remained at the site for 7 days while the fibrin glue had almost completely degraded. By choosing the appropriate gelatin type and higher molecular weight gamma-PGA in the mixtures, the gelatin/gamma-PGA biological glues could serve as soft tissue adhesives. Rheological characterization was essential in the evaluation of biological glues.
Hsu
Shan-Hui
SH
Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC. shhsu@nchu.edu.tw
Lin
Chen-Huan
CH
D000818:Animals; D016923:Cell Death / Q000187:drug effects; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects; D005780:Gelatin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011099:Polyglutamic Acid / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012212:Rheology; D033081:Shear Strength; D013552:Swine; D014014:Tissue Adhesives / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity
D004338:Drug Combinations; D020100:Hydrogels; D014014:Tissue Adhesives; C101913:gelatin-polyglutamic acid glue; D011099:Polyglutamic Acid; D005780:Gelatin