Fabrication of chitosan/gelatin foams with ordered porous structures for use in drug release and metal ion adsorption

Porous chitosan/gelatin (CS/Gel) foams with ordered porous structures were prepared by a unidirectional freeze-drying method. The CS/Gel foams had ordered porous structures with high porosities. The porosity of the foam depended on the concentration of the CS/Gel preparation solution and the CS/Gel ratio. The CS/Gel concentration affected the compressive strength of the porous CS/Gel foams and higher concentrations resulted in better strength. The CS/Gel ratio affected both the compressive strength and the degradation rate of the CS/Gel foam. Low CS/Gel ratios resulted in foams with higher compressive strength and higher degradation rates. The CS/Gel foams had a high adsorption capacity for aqueous Pb2+ and Co2+ ions and fetal bovine serum. In addition, gentamicin loaded CS/Gel foams had different release rates which depended on the composition and porous structure of the foams. The CS/Gel foams should be useful as scaffolds for cell cultures or drug releasing implants.