Preparation and characterization of porous scaffolds from chitosan-collagen-gelatin composite

Novel porous scaffolds composed of chitosan, collagen and gelatin were prepared and characterized. For preparing scaffolds gelatin and collagen isolated from fish skins with various physicochemical properties were used. In order to reduce preparation solubility glutaraldehyde in the amount of 1%, w/w relative to the total biopolymers weight in solution was used. All obtained biomaterials showed a homogeneous porosity. Protein polymer type determined the rheology and mechanical properties of obtaining preparations. The use of protein polymers decreased swelling capacity of materials approximately 30% compared to the materials obtained from chitosan. Materials containing gelatin showed the highest solubility (approx. 30%). Scaffolds obtained in 100% of chitosan proved to be harder than collagen materials an average of 30% and less flexible more than twice. In relation to the gelatin materials were characterized by smaller values of both measured parameters on average 40% and 30% respectively. Materials containing protein polymers showed good antioxidant properties.