title: Fabrication of chemically cross-linked porous gelatin matrices.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to chemically cross-link gelatin, by reacting its free amino groups with an aliphatic diisocyanate.
  
  
  METHODS
  To produce hydrogels with controllable properties, the number of reacting amino groups was carefully determined. Porosity was introduced into the gelatin-based hydrogels through the lyophilization process. Porous and non-porous matrices were characterized with respect to their chemical structure, morphology, water uptake and mechanical properties.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the porous matrices are related to the extent of their cross-linking, showing that they can be controlled by varying the reaction parameters. Water uptake values (24 hours) vary between 160% and 200% as the degree of cross-linking increases. The flexibility of the samples also decreases by changing the extent of cross-linking. Young's modulus shows values between 0.188 KPa, for the highest degree, and 0.142 KPa for the lowest degree.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The matrices are potential candidates for use as tissue-engineering scaffolds by modulating their physical chemical properties according to the specific application.
authors.affiliation: BioMatLab, Department of Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano - Italy.
authors.forename: Sabrina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bozzini
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Petrini
authors.forename: Lina
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Altomare
authors.forename: Maria Cristina
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Tanzi