Technological watch

The biomimetic scaffolds were prepared by mineralization of gelatin/chitosan cryogels in SBF solution for bone tissue engineering applications. The biomimetic cryogels had interconnected porosity, and adequate chemical and mechanical stability. In vitro studies revealed the biocompatibility of the scaffolds. In vivo studies demonstrated that the mineralized cryogels can have potential application in bone regeneration.AbstractThe objective of this study is to develop biomimetic chitosan: gelatin (CH:Gel) cryogels for bone tissue engineering, combining the biological recognition of natural polymers with the distinguished interconnected porosity of cryogels, and biomimicking properties of bone like hydroxyapatite. The control of the biomineralization process onto biomaterials should be evaluated before clinical application. Therefore, the effect of chitosan and gelatin ratios on the final properties of the cryogels were investigated. FTIR, XRD, and SEM analysis indicated that the SBF coating exhibited similar characteristics to hydroxyapatite. The cryogels showed good biocompatibility with L929 mouse fibroblasts. Clinical outcomes and gross pathological examination showed that neither necrosis nor foreign body reaction was noted at the end of implantation. The biomimetically mineralized scaffold was found to be non?irritant and non?toxic for bone tissue. The biological performance and favorable properties demonstrated that the SBF coated CH:Gel cryogel can be a promising biomimetic scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications.