21 BIOFORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF 3D PLATFORM FOR TISSUE REGENERATION- A FUTURE PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Tissue engineering is a field that aims to regenerate tissues in a particular region of the body through the creation of scaffolds that can mimic the extracellular matrix to allow cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. This paper aims to create a new 3D-printed sodium alginate gelatin hydrogel scaffold through an extrusion bioprinting method, CaCl2 crosslinking, UV irradiation, and freeze-drying to obtain a biocompatible and mechanically sound scaffold. Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy results verified the interaction between hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions between the carboxylate groups of sodium alginate and amide groups of gelatin, indicating a polyelectrolyte complex formation with preserved secondary structures. X-ray Diffraction results verified the integration of the hydrogel matrix through broad amorphous diffraction peaks at certain 2θ values. FESEM results indicated a hierarchical porous structure with a nanofibrous surface resembling collagen to allow cell migration and vascularization. Water absorption and swelling ratios of the scaffolds were high due to the presence of hydrophilic groups. Biodegradability tests in collagenase II solution indicated a 55% mass loss after 48 h due to the presence of hydrophilic groups. Sodium alginate gelatin scaffolds are promising scaffolds for tissue regeneration due to their appropriate mechanical properties.