To generate a more effective and safer anti-adhesive material, we developed a new thermally cross-linked gelatin film. We previously reported that this film had superior anti-adhesive effects compared to cellulose film and could be used safely on the intestinal anastomosis in canine models. To evaluate the handling of the gelatin film during surgery, we investigated the physical properties of the gelatin film and compared it with cellulose film. We performed tensile and shear tests to evaluate the maximum loads, the elastic modulus and the fracture strains of the gelatin film, paying special attention to the relationship between the time required for the thermal cross-linking and those physical properties. The maximum tensile and shear loads of each thermally cross-linked gelatin film were significantly higher than those of cellulose film. The fracture strains of each gelatin film were also significantly higher than those of cellulose film. However, there were no significant differences in the elastic modulus between the gelatin films and the cellulose film in terms of both the tensile and shear tests. There were no significant differences in these physical properties among the gelatin films allowed to thermally cross-link for different lengths of time. In conclusion, thermally cross-linked gelatin film has a higher physical strength and ductility than cellulose film, regardless of the time allowed for thermal cross-linking. These physical properties of the gelatin films are considered to be advantageous for their handling during surgery.
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