Effect of gelatin on the swelling behavior of organic hybrid gels based on N-isopropylacrylamide and gelatin

Organic hybrid gels based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and a natural polymer, gelatin, were prepared through two-step crosslinking with genipin or glutaraldehyde. The effects of the gelatin content on the swelling behaviors and physical properties of these hybrid gels were investigated. The results indicated that the swelling ratio decreased with an increase in the content of gelatin in these hybrid gels. The swelling ratio for the gel crosslinked by genipin was significantly smaller than that for the gel crosslinked by glutaraldehyde. The results also showed that the gel crosslinked with genipin had a higher crosslinking density and a higher gel strength. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.