Effect of crosslinking on the morphological structures of gelatin/chondroitin sulfate blend nanofibers

Nanofibrous scaffold of gelatin (GE)/chondroitin sulfate (GAG) was fabricated by electrospinning. The electrospun GE/GAG nanofibers are highly soluble in aqueous solution. Hence, crosslinking improvement to stabilize the nanofibers in water and also PBS solution has been studied in this research. Nanofibrous mats were crosslinked with glutaraldehyde in three different conditions; glutaraldehyde (GU) vapors for 6 hours,glutaraldehyde/aceton, glutaraldehyde vapors for 6 hours then immersing in 1% w/v aqueous solution of glutaraldehyde. Crosslinked nanofibers were immersed in water and PBS for 3 days. The structural stability as well as dimensional stability of the crosslinked electrospun nanofibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that crosslinking of GE/GAG in GU/acetone vapors had a suitable stability, but less stability after immersing in PBS. Crosslinking using mixed GU vapors then immersing in GU improved the stability of nanofibrous structure after immersing in water and PBS.

Keywords:

Gelatin/GAG-Electrospinning-Crosslinking-Glutaraldehyde-Morphology