Harding H., Ludwick A., Samuel T., Young S., Aglan H.
Tuskegee University, US
Keywords: fish skin gelatin, mechanical behavior, moisture resistance, silver nanoparticles
Films from the biodegradable polymer gelatin have been studied for biomedical applications not only because of the film forming properties of gelatin, but also because of the availability and economical advantages of gelatin. In this work, nanostructured silver reinforced biocompatible films for controlled drug release were developed. Cross-linked and uncross-linked films from cold water fish skin gelatin were prepared. The cross- linking agent was 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (1% (v/v)). Silver nanoparticles at loadings of 0.3% (w/v) were included in both types of films. A plasticizer was used for all neat and silver-loaded films. Cross-linking of the gelatin enhanced the mechanical properties and moisture absorbing properties of the films even though the uncross-linked film is completely soluble in water while the cross-linked is not. However, the strain to failure of the cross-linked films decreased in comparison to the uncross-linked films. Studies of biomedical applications are underway.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2010: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites
Published: June 21, 2010
Pages: 897 - 900
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
Topics: Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications, Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
ISBN: 978-1-4398-3401-5