Polysaccharide-Based Aerogel Production for Biomedical Applications: A Comparative Review

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Bio-based gels like alginate, chitosan, and agarose are crucial scaffolds in tissue regeneration due to their biocompatibility and morphology.
• Their application is primarily in skin and bone regeneration, with significant research between 2015-2020.
• Traditional production methods have limitations that hinder optimal scaffold performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comparatively analyze bio-based gel production for tissue regeneration scaffolds.
• To critically review traditional techniques and explore supercritical CO2-assisted processes as alternatives.
• To assess the impact of different drying methods on scaffold structure and cell compatibility.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature focusing on bio-based gel production for tissue regeneration (2015-2020).
• Comparative analysis of traditional gel production and drying techniques (e.g., freeze-drying).
• Evaluation of supercritical CO2-assisted processes for gel scaffold fabrication.

Main Results:

• Supercritical CO2-assisted drying preserves the nanoporous aerogel structure of bio-based scaffolds.
• This method effectively removes organic solvents used in gel preparation.
• Preserved structure and solvent removal are vital for optimal cell adhesion and proliferation.

Conclusions:

• Supercritical CO2-assisted drying offers significant advantages over traditional methods like freeze-drying for producing tissue regeneration scaffolds.
• The technique enhances the structural integrity and cell-interactive properties of alginate, chitosan, and agarose-based scaffolds.
• This advancement holds promise for improved outcomes in skin and bone tissue regeneration.