Cross-linking of gelatin by chlorine dioxide steam

There is a great potential of gelatin to be applied in food packaging, tissue engineering, and drug delivery due to its biocompatibility, edibility and biodegradability. However, the main issue with use of native gelatin based materials in practical application is their water solubility and poor thermostability as they are rapidly dissolved in warm solution. In order to improve their water-resistant ability and thermo-mechanical performance, the gelatin bars or membranes were cross linked by chlorine dioxide (ClO2) vapor at room temperature. An exposure of the gelatin materials in ClO2 vapor for 12 h generated a cross-linking extent sufficient to preserve their morphology in 37 degrees C warm water for above 5 days. The cross-linking also led to improved thermostability and enhancement in mechanical properties. Energy dispersion X-ray analysis indicated that no halogen substitution reaction happened in the cross linking reaction, and the residual Cl could be removed thoroughly by pretreatment. Cytotoxicity was evaluated based on a cell proliferation study. It was found cell expansion took place and linearly increased during the course of whole period of the cell culture. Thus the cross-linked material showed no toxicity to the cells. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.