Effect of Dialdehyde Chitosan Crosslinking on the Film‐Forming Properties of Collagen Fiber

ABSTRACT In this study, dialdehyde chitosan (DACS) was prepared and used to crosslink collagen fiber films. Firstly, collagen fiber dispersions were created, and their rheological properties were assessed to evaluate the interaction between DACS and collagen fibers. The mechanical behavior, water absorption, shrinkage, and thermal characteristics of collagen fiber films were further analyzed, as well as the chemical and microstructure. The results indicated that collagen fiber films possessed different mechanical properties in different states (dry, wet and boiled state) and they were improved significantly with the increase of DACS contents, especially the tensile strength (TS). DACS also improved the thermodynamic properties and water absorption of films. The crosslinking of DACS resulted in alterations in the secondary structure of the film proteins, enhancing the stability of the films. DACS seemed to promote the opening of collagen fiber bundles to some extent, which was associated with changes in the dispersion modulus, viscosity, and film microstructure. This research provided a reference for utilizing DACS in the preparation of collagen fiber films.