Preparation and physicochemical characteristics of cryogel based on gelatin and oxidised dextran

In this study, a novel method of preparation of cryogels based on oxidised dextran (Ox.D) and gelatin (Gel) without sodium borohydride is proposed. The physico-chemical properties of obtained hydrogels were investigated. It was found that the stability of cryogels Ox.D–Gel is significantly depended on pH, and mechanical properties were improved after the freeze drying. The schemes of the reactions between Ox.D and Gel at different steps of the treatment of the material were suggested. According to 1H-NMR data, the Amadori rearrangement occurred under the step of cryogelation. The increase of cross-linking degree through the formation of additional Schiff’s base group was observed as a result of incubation at high humidities or elevated temperature (60 °C). The obtained cryogels can be used as biocompatible and biodegradable scaffolds for proliferation of cells or other biomedical applications.