Optimization of keratin/alginate scaffold using RSM and its characterization for tissue engineering

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Tissue engineering scaffolds require specific structural, mechanical, and biological properties.
• Keratin and alginate are promising biopolymers for scaffold fabrication due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and optimize a keratin/alginate scaffold for tissue engineering applications.
• To evaluate the structural, mechanical, and biological properties of the developed scaffold.

Main Methods:

• Scaffold fabrication using a binary blend of keratin and alginate.
• Optimization of keratin and alginate concentrations and ratios using response surface methodology.
• Structural analysis via X-ray diffractometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
• Porosity measurement using Archimedes principle.
• Mechanical testing for tensile strength and elongation at break.
• Assessment of antimicrobial activity and in vitro degradation.

Main Results:

• Optimized keratin/alginate ratios were determined.
• High apparent porosity (96.25 ± 0.04%) and pore size (10–200 μm) were achieved.
• The scaffold demonstrated adequate mechanical strength (0.33 ± 0.26 MPa tensile strength, 23.33 ± 2.52% elongation at break).
• Positive antimicrobial activity and in vitro degradation were confirmed.

Conclusions:

• A keratin/alginate scaffold suitable for tissue engineering was successfully fabricated.
• The optimized scaffold possesses favorable structural, mechanical, and biological characteristics.
• This material shows potential for various tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.