Structure and properties of bilayer chitosan-gelatin scaffolds

Chitosan-gelatin hybrid polymer network scaffolds were prepared via the freeze-drying technique by using the ice microparticle as a porogen. Monolayer and bilayer scaffolds were obtained by using different pre-freezing methods. The novel bilayer scaffolds were prepared via contact with -56degreesC lyophilizing plate directly, then lyophilized. The properties of chitosan-gelatin scaffolds, such as microstructure, physical and mechanical and degradable properties, were studied. These results suggested that the porosity and pore size of the scaffolds could be modulated with thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of ice formation. The scaffolds prepared from chitosan and gelatin can be utilized as a promising matrix for tissue engineering. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.