Enzymatic degradation of modified gelatin and carboxymethyl cellulose scaffolds

Abstract

The modification of biological and synthetic biopolymer provides suitable properties for bone and tissue engineering. Modified gelatin and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) scaffolds are interesting biomaterials for applying as artificial dermal skin. The objective of this research was to investigate the enzymatic degradation of gelatin and carboxymethyl cellulose scaffolds. The samples were prepared in different compositions of gelatin and CMC (Gelatin:CMC) (w/w) such as 9:1, 8:2, 7:3 and 6:4. The enzymatic degradation test was undertaken using cellulase produced by Aspergillus niger. The results demonstrated that GC64 (Gelatin:CMC, 6:4) exhibited the highest degree of enzymatic degradation and the behavior of the degradation was predicated based on water absorption ability. Moreover, the morphology of degraded residues were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).