Development and optimisation of functionalised, photoactive gelatin fibres by rotation-assisted wet spinning; for intended use in biomedical applications

Despite advances in surgical techniques and artificial tendon reconstruction methods, limitations persist, including high re-rupture rates, lengthy recovery periods, and inability to mimic native tendon biomechanical properties. Functionalised gelatin has shown promise as a biocompatible and biostable material for tendon reconstruction. This research optimised a lab-scale wet spinning setup to produce functionalised gelatin filament fibres with improved mechanical properties and reduced production time. In conclusion, this research emphasises that 4-Vinylbenzyl Chloride (4VBC) fictionali- sation of porcine gelatin-based materials, in conjunction with UV crosslinking offers a promising direction for producing bio-compatible WS fibres relevant to tendon recon- structive materials. This research therefore looks to lay foundations for (a) the scaled-up production of functionalised gelatin (F-gelatin) fibres, so to determine the feasibility of mass production; as well as (b) to produce gelatin fibres that possess improved mechan- ical qualities that demonstrate the potential to be manufactured into a structured textile.