Preparation and characterization of hard and biocompatible interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of gelatin and polyacrylonitrile

The present paper reports findings on the preparation of full IPNs of gelatin and polyacrylonitrile (PAN). Various compositions of glutaraldehyde-crosslinked gelatin and N,N'-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA)-crosslinked PAN were prepared and characterized by IR, DSC, and SEM techniques. The IPNs were also investigated for their water-sorption behavior and the effect of chemical composition on the extent of water uptake was evaluated. The microhardness of IPNs were determined and studied as a function of chemical architecture of the IPNs. The prepared IPNs were also assessed for in vitro blood compatibility by methods such as protein (BSA) adsorption, blood-clot formation and percent hemolysis measurements.