Collagen Networks Obtained by Leather Industry By-Products

Chemically cross-linked collagen polymeric networks with different structures and properties were obtained from collagen hydrolysates and glutaraldehyde and were designed for potential applications in bioeconomy. The swelling behavior of these networks was tested in distilled water at constant temperature and the equilibrium swelling degree was calculated. The influence of different cross-linking parameters used to tailor the structure and properties of these networks (collagen-glutaraldehyde ratio and the aminic nitrogen content of the collagen hydrolysate) upon the collagen networks was investigated by FTIR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, swelling tests and contact angle measurements. Different amounts of glycerol were added in order to further improve the general properties of the collagen networks. The general properties of these materials leaded to the conclusion that they could be used for potential applications in bioeconomy.