Effect of crosslinking, thermal treatment and UV irradiation on the mechanical properties and in vitro degradation behavior of several natural proteins aimed to be used in the biomedical field.

Gelatine (GEL), soy (SI), casein (CAS) and sodium-caseinate (NaCAS) solutions were cast to produce protein films. All the proteins were chemically modified by adding glyoxal to the film-forming solutions in amounts varying from 0 to 0.9% (w/w based on the protein content). After casting, the same films were also submitted to a heat treatment performed at 80 degrees C or UV irradiation. The effect of those chemical/physical modifications on the mechanical properties and on the hydrolytic stability of the protein films was evaluated. As a result, a large variety of protein films with different mechanical properties and degradation profiles were developed. CAS and NaCAS even when chemically/physically modified do not resist to hydrolysis longer than 2 weeks. GEL, only when chemically modified with glyoxal, become water resistant. Due to its hydrolytic stability, SI become a very attractive material for biomedical applications where long term treatments are a requisite.