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Gelatin: Chemistry, Characterization, Application

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A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2019) | Viewed by 50563

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Dr. Silvia Panzavolta

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Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum Universita di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Interests: biomaterials; tissue regeneration; biomimetic materials; calcium phosphate bone cement; drug delivery systems; gelatin scaffolds for osteochondral tissue engineering
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is related to the chemistry, characterization and application of gelatin. Gelatin, obtained by chemical-thermal degradation of collagen, is one of the most employed biopolymers, thanks to its biodegradability, excellent biocompatibility, plasticity, adhesiveness, abundance, and low cost. The main drawbacks of gelatin as a material are its poor mechanical performance and its high solubility in aqueous environments, which can be improved through crosslinking or by combining the biopolymer with an inorganic filler. Gelatin-based materials could be developed and applied in multidisciplinary fields, for example packaging, food, pharmaceutical industry, cosmetic industry, as well as for the production of materials addressed to biomedical field.

All researchers working in the field are cordially invited to contribute original research papers or reviews to this Special Issue of Molecules, which focuses on gelatin new crosslinking methods, on the design and synthesis of gelatin-based biomaterials and scaffolds for osteochondral defect repair, on the performance of gelatin as tailored drug delivery systems, on the evaluation of novel gelatin-based materials for cosmetic and packaging applications, as well as on the characterization of chemical-physical properties with advanced analyses.

Dr. Silvia Panzavolta
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Gelatin crosslinking
Gelatin-based biomaterials
Gelatin as delivery system of bioactive molecules
Gelatin films and patches
Gelatin characterization

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 3369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Validation of a Virtual Gelatin Model Using Molecular Modeling Computational Tools

by Lukasz Radosinski, Karolina Labus, Piotr Zemojtel and Jakub W. Wojciechowski

Molecules 2019, 24(18), 3365; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24183365 - 16 Sep 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3728

Abstract

To successfully design and optimize the application of hydrogel matrices one has to effectively combine computational design tools with experimental methods. In this context, one of the most promising techniques is molecular modeling, which requires however accurate molecular models representing the investigated material. Although this method has been successfully used over the years for predicting the properties of polymers, its application to biopolymers, including gelatin, is limited. In this paper we provide a method for creating an atomistic representation of gelatin based on the modified FASTA codes of natural collagen. We show that the model created in this manner reproduces known experimental values of gelatin properties like density, glass-rubber transition temperature, WAXS profile and isobaric thermal expansion coefficient. We also present that molecular dynamics using the INTERFACE force field provides enough accuracy to track changes of density, fractional free volume and Hansen solubility coefficient over a narrow temperature regime (273–318 K) with 1 K accuracy. Thus we depict that using molecular dynamics one can predict properties of gelatin biopolymer as an efficient matrix for immobilization of various bioactive compounds, including enzymes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gelatin: Chemistry, Characterization, Application)

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13 pages, 3041 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Physicochemical Characterization of Softgels Cross-Linked with Cactus Mucilage Extracted from Cladodes of Opuntia Ficus-Indica

by Luis R. Camelo Caballero, Andrea Wilches-Torres, Agobardo Cárdenas-Chaparro, Jovanny A. Gómez Castaño and María Carolina Otálora

Molecules 2019, 24(14), 2531; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24142531 - 11 Jul 2019

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3915

Abstract

A new crosslinking formulation using gelatin (G) and cactus mucilage (CM) biopolymers was developed, physicochemically characterized and proposed as an alternative wall material to traditional gelatin capsules (softgels). The effect of G concentration at different G/CM ratios (3:1, 1:1 and 1:3) was analyzed. Transparency, moisture content (MC), solubility in water (SW), morphology (scanning electron microscopy, SEM), vibrational characterization (Fourier transform infrared, FTIR), color parameters (CIELab) and thermal (differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetric analysis, DSC/TGA) properties of the prepared composite (CMC) capsules were estimated and compared with control (CC) capsules containing only G and glycerol. In addition, the dietary fiber (DF) content was also evaluated. Our results showed that the transparency of composite samples decreased gradually with the presence of CM, the G/CM ratio of 3:1 being suitable to form the softgels. The addition of CM decreased the MC, the SW and the lightness of the capsules. Furthermore, the presence of polysaccharide had significant effects on the morphology and thermal behavior of CMC in contrast to CC. FTIR spectra confirmed the CMC formation by crosslinking between CM and G biopolymers. The addition of CM to the softgels formulation influenced the DF content. Our findings support the feasibility of developing softgels using a formulation of CM and G as wall material with nutritional properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gelatin: Chemistry, Characterization, Application)

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12 pages, 3661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Induced Aggregation of Epoxy Polysiloxane Grafted Gelatin by Organic Solvent and Green Application

by Zhen Zhang, Dongmei Zhang, Huijun Ma, Jing Xu, Tianduo Li, Zhaoning Cai, Haifeng Chen, Jinghui Zhang and Hao Dong

Molecules 2019, 24(12), 2264; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24122264 - 18 Jun 2019

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2761

Abstract

In this paper, we studied the aggregation of amphiphilic polymer epoxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS-E) grafted gelatin (PGG) in water induced by methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, acetone, tetrahydrofuran (THF), and 1,4-dioxane. The aggregation pattern of the polymer was monitored by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. It was revealed that the aggregate morphology showed clear dependence on the solvent polarity. The PGG aggregates had regular spherical morphology in polar solvents, including water, methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, and acetone. The coating performance was evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and friction experiment, and PGG and acetone coating exhibited excellent coating performance on the surface of pigskin. Gel was formed in acetone and tetrahydrofuran (THF) with the slow evaporation of solvent, and this property can possibly be applied to industrial sewage treatment. White precipitate and soft film were formed in non-polar 1,4-dioxane. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gelatin: Chemistry, Characterization, Application)

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14 pages, 1161 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Chitosan and Fish Gelatin Coatings on Preventing the Deterioration and Preserving the Quality of Fresh-Cut Apples

by Yung-Shin Shyu, Guan-Wen Chen, Shao-Ching Chiang and Wen-Chieh Sung

Molecules 2019, 24(10), 2008; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24102008 - 25 May 2019

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3689

Abstract

The effect of fish gelatin and chitosan coatings on the physicochemical characteristics of fresh-cut apples (Malus pumila Mill.), stored at 5 °C and 22 °C, was investigated. Chitosan provided an effective control for microbial growth, maintained firmness during 4 days of storage at room temperature (22 °C), and 12 days at refrigerator (5 °C). The results indicated that chitosan coating caused a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the L* value of cube color of cut apples. Fish gelatin–chitosan coatings mitigated the L* value and decrease in hue angle of the cut apple samples, at cold storage. Experimental results showed that fish gelatin–chitosan and chitosan coatings, can be used to mitigate the formation of vitamin C, due to respiration, microbial growth, and weight loss at cold storage. Fish gelatin–chitosan coating might be a better combination for maintaining appearance and extending shelf-life of cut apples, compared to only chitosan coatings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gelatin: Chemistry, Characterization, Application)

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14 pages, 3050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cylindrical Layered Bone Scaffolds with Anisotropic Mechanical Properties as Potential Drug Delivery Systems

by Maria Francesca Di Filippo, Sofia Amadori, Sonia Casolari, Adriana Bigi, Luisa Stella Dolci and Silvia Panzavolta

Molecules 2019, 24(10), 1931; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24101931 - 19 May 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3159

Abstract

3D cylindrical layered scaffolds with anisotropic mechanical properties were prepared according to a new and simple method, which involves gelatin foaming, deposition of foamed strips, in situ crosslinking, strip rolling and lyophilization. Different genipin concentrations were tested in order to obtain strips with different crosslinking degrees and a tunable stability in biological environment. Before lyophilization, the strips were curled in a concentric structure to generate anisotropic spiral-cylindrical scaffolds. The scaffolds displayed significantly higher values of stress at break and of the Young modulus in compression along the longitudinal than the transverse direction. Further improvement of the mechanical properties was achieved by adding strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA) to the scaffold composition and by increasing genipin concentration. Moreover, composition modulated also water uptake ability and degradation behavior. The scaffolds showed a sustained strontium release, suggesting possible applications for the local treatment of abnormally high bone resorption. This study demonstrates that assembly of layers of different composition can be used as a tool to obtain scaffolds with modulated properties, which can be loaded with drugs or biologically active molecules providing properties tailored upon the needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gelatin: Chemistry, Characterization, Application)

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12 pages, 1449 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Characteristics of Ultraviolet-Irradiated Tilapia Fish Skin Gelatin

by Cheng-Kuo Wu, Jenn-Shou Tsai and Wen-Chieh Sung

Molecules 2019, 24(2), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24020254 - 11 Jan 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4002

Abstract

Studies were undertaken to investigate the effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the gel strength, color, thermal properties, protein molecular masses, and functional groups of commercially available fish gelatin samples. Commercially available tilapia skin gelatin powder was used as the raw material to investigate the functional properties of fish skin gelatin powder treated with UV irradiation for different durations (0–6 h). The functional properties of fish gelatin and the optimum irradiation treatment conditions were determined through gel strength testing, color characterization, differential scanning calorimetry, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. UV irradiation treatment increased gel strength and thermal stability, and significantly degraded the macromolecules. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy data indicated that UV irradiation treatment did not significantly change the molecular structure of fish gelatin powder, but these methods could discriminate the molecular structure of gelatin from various sources. Irradiation for 2 h yielded the highest gel strength and melting peak temperature, and the lowest chromatic aberration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gelatin: Chemistry, Characterization, Application)

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17 pages, 8283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmentally Friendly Gelatin/β-Cyclodextrin Composite Fiber Adsorbents for the Efficient Removal of Dyes from Wastewater

by Yu Chen, Yanli Ma, Weipeng Lu, Yanchuan Guo, Yi Zhu, Haojun Lu and Yeping Song

Molecules 2018, 23(10), 2473; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23102473 - 27 Sep 2018

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 4943

Abstract

In this paper, environmentally friendly gelatin/β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) composite fiber adsorbents prepared by electrospinning were used for the removal of dyes from wastewater. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a universal materials tester were employed to characterize the internal structures, surface morphologies and mechanical strength of the composite fiber adsorbents. Additionally, the fiber was evaluated as an adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. The effects of the raw material ratio, pH, temperature, concentration and adsorption time were studied. The results show that the gelatin/β-CD composite fiber adsorbents possess excellent mechanical strength and high adsorption efficiency for MB. The adsorption equilibrium and adsorption kinetics are well-described by the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, respectively. The theoretical maximum adsorption capacity is 47.4 mg·g⁻¹. Additionally, after nine successive desorption-adsorption cycles, the removal rate is still over 70%. Moreover, the gelatin/β-CD composite fiber adsorbents exhibit excellent adsorption capability for basic fuchsin, gentian violet, brilliant blue R and malachite green dyes. Therefore, owing to the characteristics of degradability, low cost and high-efficiency, the gelatin/β-CD composite fiber can be used as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of dyes from wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gelatin: Chemistry, Characterization, Application)

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16 pages, 4784 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancement of Cell Adhesion, Cell Growth, Wound Healing, and Oxidative Protection by Gelatins Extracted from Extrusion-Pretreated Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) Fish Scale

by Chun-Yung Huang, Tien-Chou Wu, Yong-Han Hong, Shu-Ling Hsieh, Hui-Ru Guo and Ren-Han Huang

Molecules 2018, 23(10), 2406; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23102406 - 20 Sep 2018

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4769

Abstract

Gelatin has been broadly utilized in the food, pharmaceutical, photographic, cosmetic and packaging industries, and there is also huge potential for novel applications of gelatin in the fields of biotechnology and biomedicine. In the present study, we extracted gelatin from fish processing waste, i.e., scale of tilapia, by a combined method of extrusion-pretreatment and hot water extraction. The extrusion-pretreatment process increases the extraction yield of gelatin. Three gelatins (FS2: preconditioning with double-distilled water (ddH₂O) before extrusion; FS12: preconditioning with citric acid solution before extrusion; FS14: preconditioning with acetic acid solution before extrusion) were obtained and all of them enhanced cell adhesion, cell growth, and wound healing in HaCaT cells and protected HaCaT cells from H₂O₂-induced cellular damage. Among FS2, FS12, and FS14, FS12 exhibited the most pronounced enhancement of cell adhesion, cell growth, and wound healing in HaCaT cells, and thus it may have potential as an effective natural raw material in cell therapies for cutaneous wounds and for reducing H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage of cells. In additional experiments, it was found that phosphorylations of Akt and mTOR are involved in the signaling pathway activated by FS2, FS12, and FS14 in HaCaT cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gelatin: Chemistry, Characterization, Application)

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18 pages, 20893 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Growth Proliferation, Apoptotic Prevention, and Differentiation Induction of the Gelatin Hydrolysates from Three Sources to Human Fetal Osteoblasts (hFOB 1.19 Cells)

by Ming Lu and Xin-Huai Zhao

Molecules 2018, 23(6), 1287; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23061287 - 28 May 2018

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3882

Abstract

Gelatins from the skin of bovine, porcine, and tilapia were hydrolyzed to three degrees of hydrolysis (DH) by alcalase, neutrase, and papain, respectively. These hydrolysates at 0.02–0.1 g/L promoted the growth of human fetal osteoblasts by 101.4–135.7%, while higher DH or using papain and tilapia gelatins resulted in higher proliferation. The hydrolysates from porcine and tilapia gelatins at 0.05 g/L prevented induced apoptosis (decreasing total apoptotic proportions from 28.4% or 35.2% to 10.3–17.5% or 16.0–23.6%), and had differentiation induction (increasing alkaline phosphatase activity by 126.9–246.7% in early differentiation stage, or enhancing osteocalcin production by 4.1–22.5% in later differentiation stage). These hydrolysates had a similar amino acid profile; however, tilapia gelatin hydrolysates by papain with DH 15.4% mostly displayed higher activity than others. Tilapia gelatin hydrolysate could up-regulate β-catenin, Wnt 3a, Wnt 10b, cyclin D1, and c-Myc expression at mRNA levels by 1.11–3.60 folds, but down-regulate GSK 3β expression by 0.98 fold. Of note, β-catenin in total cellular and nuclear protein was up-regulated by 1.14–1.16 folds but unchanged in cytoplasmic protein, Wnt 10b, cyclin D1, and c-Myc expression were up-regulated by 1.27–1.95 folds, whilst GSK 3β expression was down-regulated by 0.87 fold. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway is suggested to mediate cell proliferation and differentiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gelatin: Chemistry, Characterization, Application)

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12 pages, 2171 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On-Demand Microwave-Assisted Fabrication of Gelatin Foams

by Shane D. Frazier, Anastasia N. Aday and Wil V. Srubar III

Molecules 2018, 23(5), 1121; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23051121 - 9 May 2018

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5034

Abstract

Ultraporous gelatin foams (porosity >94%, ρ ≈ 0.039–0.056 g/cm³) have been fabricated via microwave radiation. The resulting foam structures are unique with regard to pore morphology (i.e., closed-cell) and exhibit 100% macroporosity (pore size 332 to 1700 μm), presence of an external skin, and densities similar to aerogels. Results indicate that the primary foaming mechanism is governed by the vaporization of water that is tightly bound in secondary structures (i.e., helices, β-turns, β-sheets) that are present in dehydrated gelatin films but not present in the foams after microwave radiation (700 Watts). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gelatin: Chemistry, Characterization, Application)

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Review

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22 pages, 1315 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gelatin as a Photosensitive Material

by Sergio Calixto, Nina Ganzherli, Sergey Gulyaev and Susana Figueroa-Gerstenmaier

Molecules 2018, 23(8), 2064; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23082064 - 17 Aug 2018

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 8525

Abstract

Because this issue journal is dedicated to Gelatin, here we present a few applications of gelatin in the field of optics. Optics is the science that studies the production, propagation, interaction and detection of light. Various materials sensitive to light (photosensitive) are used for detection of light, such as photomultipliers, CCDs, crystals, two dimensional (2D) materials and more. Among the 2D materials, the most popular for several centuries has been gelatin based photographic emulsion, which records spatial distributions of light. More recently (1970), films made of Gelatin with Dichromate (DCG) and dyes have been used. We describe some characteristics and applications of these two photosensitive materials. We also describe examples where gelatin is used as a Relative Humidity (RH) sensor and in the fabrication of optical elements based on gelatin. This article is intended for researchers outside the optics community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gelatin: Chemistry, Characterization, Application)

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