γ-Irradiated gelatin and polyvinyl alcohol films as artificial articular cartilage

Both gelatin and polyvinyl alcohol polymers have good biocompatibility to be used in biomedical applications. Cell adhesion and growth activity of gelatin have made it unique in artificial cartilage preparation. Two separate solutions of them are prepared by mixing 10% (w/v) of each one in water. These two solutions are then mixed at a temperature range of 70–90°C, and a pH value of 2 is maintained and finally it is cast into films. The dried films are gamma irradiated (using 60Co) at different doses. Fourier transform infrared analysis of the films shows the presence of amide linkages formed in them. It is observed from thermogravimetric analysis that 2.6% of non-irradiated and 20% of irradiated samples retain after heating them up to 600°C. Mechanical properties of the irradiated films show better properties than that of non-irradiated one. The irradiated films show a decrease in water uptake than that of the non-irradiated films. Scanning electron microscopy does not show any significant difference in ...