Gelatin: Production, Applications and Health Implications

Abstract

Gelatin has been on focus of many scientific studies recently published as it is widely used not only in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals but also in paints, fertilizers, and photographs. In this book, readers will enjoy a chapter predominantly deals with chemistry and crosslinking of gelatin in addition to another critically discusses current methods used for determination of gelatin quality. There are several chapters focused on diverse applications of gelatin in neurosurgery, laboratory methods, and forensic applications, to mention a few. Use of gelatin as a carrier matrix for drug delivery applications is quite comprehensively covered in a separate chapter. In addition, gelatin films and gels are discussed from the point of view of their use as packaging and carrier materials mainly for food applications. Recently developed techniques for improving mechanical strength of gelatin based films are also included in this book. As an alternative raw material used in gelatin production, fish processing by-products are reviewed from the point of view of their potential use in gelatin production. Current discussions on religious status of gelatin and religious requirements for kosher and halal gelatin production are critically discussed and covered in a separate chapter. This new book on gelatin covers not only methodological and structural aspects of gelatin but also current and potential applications of gelatin in a diverse range of fields. Readers will hopefully find it useful in gelatin research, production, and applications. © 2013 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.