Physicochemical Evaluation and in Vitro Hemocompatibility of Goat Gelatin: Bioactive Dressing to Promote Wound Healing

Abstract Gelatin (GEL) is most extensively used in various fields, particularly in therapeutics and pharmaceuticals. GEL was extracted from goat skin using hot temperature extraction process and compared with that of commercial GEL. The physico-chemical characterization and functional properties were investigated by using temperature denaturation (Td), water-holding and fat-binding capacities (WHC and FBC), colour measurement and UV-light spectrum. In vitro biocompatibility was studied for the first time and was evaluated by blood coagulation index (BCI) and haemolytic tests for using as wounds dressing. The results revealed thermal stability of goat GEL at Td ۳۷°C. WHC and FBC capacities represented ۲.۵ and ۱.۲ g/ml, respectively. The hunter colour spaces a*, b* and L* showed a -۰.۲۷, -۱.۹۷ and ۲۵.۲۳ values, respectively. UV-Vis absorption spectrum of the goat GEL showed a maximum absorption peak at ۲۸۰ nm. The in vitro anticoagulant activities of extracting GEL were higher than ۷۰% after incubation for one hour. After being in contact with red blood cells for ۱ h, the haemolysis ratio increased from to ۰.۴۶ to ۱.۴ when the concentration of goat GEL increased from ۱ to ۵۰ mg/ml suggesting the safety of the tested samples. These results suggest that thromboresistivity and hemocompatibility of this biopolymer retained the biological activity of our samples for biomaterial applications. According to this, goat GEL successfully competes with, and significantly could be useful for substitution of bovine in wound healing.

Keywords:

goat gelatin , biocompatibility , natural polymer , wound dressing