Preparation of lysozyme loaded gelatin microcryogels and investigation of their antibacterial properties.

Antibacterial micron-sized cryogels, so-called microcryogels, were prepared by cryogelation of gelatin and integration of lysozyme. Gelation yield, specific surface area, macro-porosity and swelling degree of the microcryogels were examined in order to characterize their physical properties. MTT method was utilized to measure cell viability of the gelatin microcryogels with a period of 24, 48 and 72 h and no significant decrease was observed at 72 h. Apoptotic staining assay also showed high viability at 24, 48, 72 hours in parallel with the control group. The antibacterial performances of the gelatin microcryogels against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were examined. The results showed that the incorporation of lysozyme into gelatin microcryogels exhibited the antibacterial activity against S. aureus, B. subtilis, and E. coli, that may provide great potential for various applications in the biomedical industry.