COLLAGEN GEL, PROCESS FOR MAKING IT AND MEMBRANE ARTICLES MADE FROM SAID GEL

摘要

Method of making collagen gel suitable for use in the manufacture of thin collagen film articles having superior mechanical properties. The method includes the steps of providing clean animal tendon at room temperature containing at least 30% collagen essentially free of ligamentous tissue. The tendon is comminuted in the presence of about 65% water by weight to form a collagen slurry. The slurry is treated with Rhozyme - 41 to digest elastin and other non-collagenous matter while leaving the collagen structure substantially intact and thereafter is acid-swelled using an acid selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, malic acid, oxalic acid and tartaric acid to form a swollen collagen suspension. The suspension is homogenized and deaerated to form a collagen gel.