Gelatin and galactomannan-based scaffolds: Characterization and potential for tissue engineering applications
Nataly M Siqueira1, Bruno Paiva2, Melissa Camassola2
1Post-Graduate Program of Materials Science, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Sala A216, CEP: 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Carbohydrate Polymers
|September 8, 2015
Summary
This study developed gelatin/galactomannan films crosslinked with EDC, enhancing elasticity and showing no cytotoxicity. These films are promising biomaterials for tissue engineering scaffolds.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Gelatin films are widely used in tissue engineering but often require modification to improve mechanical properties.
- Galactomannan, a natural polysaccharide, can be incorporated to enhance film characteristics.
- Chemical crosslinking is a common method to improve the stability and functionality of biopolymer films.
Purpose of the Study:
- To produce and characterize gelatin films incorporated with varying concentrations of galactomannan.
- To investigate the effects of 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) crosslinking on film properties.
- To evaluate the cytocompatibility and cell adhesion potential of the developed films for tissue engineering applications.
Main Methods:
- Gelatin and galactomannan solutions were cast to form films.
- Films were crosslinked using a 30mM EDC solution.
- Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to confirm crosslinking via changes in functional group intensities (amine, ether, hydroxyl bands).
- Mechanical properties (elasticity) and behavior in phosphate-buffer solution were assessed.
- Cytotoxicity assays and rat mesenchymal stem cell adhesion studies were performed.
Main Results:
- FTIR analysis confirmed successful crosslinking of both gelatin (reduced amine bands) and galactomannan (increased ether bands, reduced hydroxyl bands).
- The incorporation of galactomannan and EDC crosslinking significantly improved the elasticity of the gelatin-based films.
- The developed films exhibited no cytotoxicity over 24h and 48h incubation periods.
- Rat mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated good adhesion to the films, irrespective of galactomannan concentration.
Conclusions:
- Gelatin/galactomannan films crosslinked with EDC demonstrate enhanced elasticity and mechanical stability.
- The films are cytocompatible and support the adhesion of mesenchymal stem cells.
- These findings highlight the potential of gelatin/galactomannan films as effective scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.
