Crosslinked gelatin hydrogels as carriers for controlled heparin release

[Display omitted] •Crosslinked gelatin hydrogel for sustained release of heparin.•The release can be tailored to the needs by varying hydrogel crosslinking degree.•Lower platelets adhesion on heparin-loaded hydrogels.•Possible application as coating in catheters and cardiovascular devices. The application of heparin as anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and growth factor regulating agent is currently limited by its narrow therapeutic window. Here, we describe the use of chemically crosslinked gelatin hydrogels as delivery platform to achieve the control of heparin release over time. Different hydrogel formulations and two strategies for heparin loading were tested. The synergic electrostatic interactions between heparin and gelatin hydrogels resulted in a sustained release until 60 h, demonstrated by toluidine blue tests. Platelets adhesion was significantly reduced in heparin-loaded hydrogels, thus proving good heparin bioactivity after processing. Our heparin-loaded hydrogels represent a possible valid option to develop coating for catheters and cardiovascular devices, or skin dressings.