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3D Printed Porous Cellulose Nanocomposite Hydrogel Scaffolds
Published on: April 24, 2019
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Tragacanth gum hydrogels with cellulose nanocrystals: A study on optimizing properties and printability
Roberta Teixeira Polez1, Erfan Kimiaei1, Zahra Madani2
1Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|October 2, 2024
Summary
This study developed a novel biocompatible hydrogel from tragacanth gum (TG) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) for tissue engineering. The 3D-printed scaffolds offer tunable properties and enhanced mechanical strength without toxic crosslinkers.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Tissue engineering requires biocompatible scaffolds with controlled porosity and mechanical integrity.
- Traditional hydrogel fabrication often involves toxic crosslinkers, limiting their biomedical applications.
- Developing all-polysaccharide hydrogels offers a safer and more sustainable alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel all-polysaccharide hydrogel from tragacanth gum (TG) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs).
- To investigate the potential of these hydrogels as 3D-printed scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.
- To evaluate the structural, mechanical, thermal, and biocompatibility properties of the fabricated hydrogels.
Main Methods:
- Hydrogels were fabricated using tragacanth gum (TG) and varying concentrations of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs).
- 3D printing and freeze-drying techniques were employed to create macroporous scaffolds.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), mechanical testing, swelling ratio measurements, and thermal analysis (TGA) were performed.
- Hemolysis assays were conducted to assess biocompatibility.
Main Results:
- The TG/CNC hydrogels exhibited interconnected macropores (100-115 μm) suitable for nutrient transport.
- Increasing CNC content (30-50%) decreased porosity (83% to 76%) but enhanced compressive strength (27.7-49.5 kPa) and toughness (362-707 kJ/m³).
- Hydrogels showed high swelling ratios (890-1090%), good thermal stability (up to 400°C), and minimal hemolytic activity, indicating biocompatibility.
Conclusions:
- The novel all-polysaccharide TG/CNC hydrogels are promising materials for 3D-printed tissue engineering scaffolds.
- These hydrogels offer tunable porosity, superior mechanical properties, thermal stability, and excellent biocompatibility.
- The elimination of toxic crosslinkers makes these hydrogels suitable for advanced biomedical applications, including injectable formulations.
