Preparation of fluoride-containing gelatin nanofiber scaffold

A novel material, fluoride-containing gelatin nanofiber scaffold, was prepared by electrospinning process successfully. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image showed that the morphology of nanofibers was uniform and smooth, and the average diameter was about 200 nm. An even distribution in the fiber matrix of some nanoparticles which is about 20 nm was also observed in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. X-ray diffraction (XRD) demonstrated that the nanoparticles dispersed in the gelatin fiber matrix were CaF(2) crystals. This scaffold was crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GTA) vapor at room temperature for 4 days in order to improve the water-resistant ability. After soaking in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) solution (37 degrees C) for 4 weeks the crosslinked scaffold still maintained a good appearance and morphology. All the properties of this novel material show a good potential to be a bone tissue engineering scaffold. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.