Cross-linked protein gels and methods of making them

摘要

Enzymatically cross-linked protein gels and methods for preparing them are disclosed. The methods comprise adding a transglutaminase, such as factor XIII, to a composition of a temperature-sensitive gel-forming protein, such as gelatin or collagen, and incubating the composition and transglutaminase under gel-forming conditions. The resulting gels have superior strength and thermal stability, and can be used within a variety of medical and industrial applications.