Gelatin vs collagen-based sponges: evaluation of concentration, additives and biocomposites

Abstract

The use of collagen sponge-like materials come from a freeze-drying process has been intensively studied, although are too expensive. For this reason, the objective of this work was the development of gelatin sponge-like materials (a more affordable material) compared their mechanical (strain and frequency sweep tests in compression mode) and microstructural properties (scanning electron microscopy and porosity) with those of collagen at 0.5 and 1.0 wt.%. In addition, their properties have been improved with the incorporation of glutaraldehyde (0.10 wt.%) or the development of biocomposites with chitosan (ratio 50–50 and sandwich type). The results of this work showed that different formulations and latticework can modify the final characteristics of this materials, confirming the great potential of gelatin as a raw material for sponge-like materials.