Preparation and characterization of sponge using porcine small intestinal submucosa

Porcine small intestine submucosa (SIS) has been widely used as a biomaterial without immunorejection responses. Crosslinked SIS sponges were characterized for the possibility of the bio-interactive wound dressings and tissue engineered scaffolds. SIS powders were dissolved in 3% acetic acid aqueous solution at 48 hrs followed by pouring into mold and then fabricated by freeze-drying method. SIS sponge was prepared by crosslinked with 1-ethyl-(3-3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) solution (deionized water : ethanol = 5:95) with 1-100 mM concentration for 24 hrs and lyophilized. SIS sponges were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimeter, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and were tested their porosity and water absorption ability. It was observed that the concentration of EDC might be exceeded 50 mM to get good physical characteristics. In conclusion, it seems that SIS sponge could be very useful for the applications of wound healing and tissue construction.