Patent ID: 7547446

Claim:
A method for preparing a substantially dry cross-linked gelatin powder, said method comprising: providing an aqueous solution comprising a non-cross-linked gelatin and a re-hydration aid, wherein the rehydration aid in the aqueous solution comprises polyethylene glycol (PEG)in the range from 2.5% (w/w) to 20% (w/w) based on the weight of the gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in the range from 1.25% (w/w) to 20% (w/w) based on the weight of the gelatin, and dextran in the range from 1.25% (w/w) to 20% (w/w) based on the weight of the gelatin; cross-linking the gelatin in the presence of the re-hydration aid; removing at least 50% (w/w) of the re-hydration aid after the cross-linking step; and drying the cross-linked gelatin and grinding to produce a powder having a moisture content below 20% (w/w) and a re-hydration rate of at least 3 gm/gm in 30 seconds.