| abstract |
A method of making an absorbable gelatin sponge, comprising the steps of: (a) dispersing gelatin in a solvent to form a gelatin dispersion; (b) drying the gelatin dispersion to produce a gelatin sponge; (c) crosslinking the gelatin to render it substantially insoluble in water; followed by (d) irradiating the sponge with ionizing radiation, such as gamma radiation, to reduce its resorption time in vivo. Gelatin sponges obtainable by the method of the invention are also provided. The sponge may be further treated with a C2-C10 alcohol carrying a therapeutic agent to impregnate the sponge with that agent. |