Self-healing interpenetrating network hydrogel based on GelMA/alginate/nano-clay

Today, tissue engineering strategies need the improvement of advanced hydrogels with biological and mechanical properties similar to natural cartilage for joint regeneration. In this study, an interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel composed of gelatin methacrylate (GelMA)/alginate (Algin)/nano-clay (NC) with self-healing ability was developed with particular consideration to balancing of the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of bioink material. Subsequently, the properties of the synthesized nanocomposite IPN, including the chemical structure, rheological behavior, physical properties (i.e. porosity and swelling), mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and self-healing performance were evaluated to investigate the potential application of the developed hydrogel for cartilage tissue engineering (CTE). The synthesized hydrogels showed highly porous structures with dissimilar pore sizes. The results revealed that the NC incorporation improved the properties of GelMA/Algin IPN, such as porosity, and mechanical strength (reached 170 ± 3.5 kPa), while the NC incorporation decreased the degradation (63.8 %) along with retaining biocompatibility. Therefore, the developed hydrogel showed a promising potential for the treatment of tissue defects in cartilage.