This work describes the determination of parameters for the development of a continuous process for the glutaraldehyde processing of bovine pericardium intended for cardiac valve manufacture. The results showed that glutaraldehyde reaction time with bovine pericardium is concentration dependent and for concentrations from 0.001 to 0.05%(w/w), in the range from 1 to 2 hours, compatible with the development of a continuous industrial crosslinking processing. Under stoichiometric conditions impermeabilization and the heterogeneity of glutaraldehyde reaction with PB was found to be concentration dependent, with heterogeneity partially or totally removed by the treatment with glycin/borate buffer.
Bovine pericardium; bioprostheses; crosslinking; glutaraldehyde; Processing; Automation
