THERMAL TREATMENT OF GELATIN SOLUTION IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF ELECTROSPUN GELATIN FIBROUS MATS FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS.

Preliminary studies were undertaken to assessment the impact of thermal treatment of commercial gelatin solution on the physicochemical properties of electrospun gelatin fibrous mats. The gelatin (dry granules) was dissolved in aqueous solution and heated up to boiling then was dried at 40 °C. The electro spinning process and cross-linking of electrospun mats using glutaraldehyde (GTA) vapor were achieved. The results revealed that thermal treatment of raw gelatin solution before electro spinning process enhanced the quality of electrospun gelatin fibrous mats, especially in terms of fibers sizes, degradation time, and swelling degree that could provide a basis for improving electrospun gelatin fibers for medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]