Gelatin/Poly(ethylene oxide) Blend Films with Compositional Gradient: Fabrication and Characterization

In this study, novel protein/biodegradable polymer blend biomaterials-gelatin/poly(ethylene oxide) blend films with compositional gradients were successfully fabricated by a dissolution/diffusion method. Two kinds of compositional gradient films, which were different in gradient structure, were prepared. The compositional gradient structure in the films was characterized by polarized optic microscopy, ATR-FTIR, and trans-FT-IR mapping measurement. In addition, the mechanical properties of the gradient films were characterized with reference to their gradient structure. It is found that the compositional gradient films have better mechanical properties than the pure gelatin film. These protein/biodegradable polymer compositional gradient films have a potential for many biomedical applications.