Abstract

In this paper, the porcine acellular dermal matrix (pADM) was used as a mimetic of collagen fibres, and chemical modification by an epoxy silicone modifier (3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)propyltrimethylsilane, E3) was carried out to improve its physicochemical properties. The modification interaction between pADM and E3 was investigated, and the various properties of the pADM after modification by E3 (E3- pADM) were further evaluated. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated that E3 was successfully introduced into pADM. After the E3 treatment, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR analysis showed that the micro-structural integrity of pADM was still maintained and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) observation showed that the surface topography and pore structure were maintained. The differential scanning calorimetry measurement (DSC) demonstrated that the thermal stability was enhanced due to the improved structural stability after modification. Further, E3-pADM was functionalized with hydrophobic properties compared with native pADM due to the silane sidechain. Enzymatic degradation study indicated that the resistance to enzymatic degradation of E3- pADM increased, which may benefit from hydrophobic chemical modification. In addition, the MTT assay and SEM observation illustrated that E3-pADM was favorable for the cellís adhesion, growth and proliferation. Taken as a whole, the results demonstrated that E3 could serve as a functional modifier for the chemical modification of pADM to improve the physicochemical and functional properties. Therefore, the prospect of E3 in the preparation of hydrophobic leather and acellular dermal matrix in future production and practice is brilliant.