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In Vitro Biodegradation and Biocompatibility of Bacterial Nanocellulose-Chitosan-Based Hydrogel Scaffolds for Bone
Phasuwit P Phatchayawat1, Supansa Yodmuang2,3, Muenduen Phisalaphong4
1Biomedical Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
ACS Omega
|October 6, 2025
Summary
This study developed a bacterial nanocellulose-chitosan-alginate-gelatin hydrogel with enhanced biodegradability and mechanical strength for bone tissue engineering. The composite scaffold demonstrated biocompatibility, osteogenic potential, and antibacterial properties in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) possesses excellent physicochemical properties for biomedical uses.
- Limited biodegradability of BNC hinders its application in human therapies.
- A novel composite hydrogel was synthesized to address BNC's limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro biodegradability of a bacterial nanocellulose-chitosan-alginate-gelatin (BNC-CS-AG-GT) hydrogel.
- To assess the mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and osteogenic potential of the BNC-CS-AG-GT scaffold.
- To investigate the antibacterial efficacy of the BNC-CS-AG-GT hydrogel.
Main Methods:
- The BNC-CS-AG-GT hydrogel was immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) with lysozyme to assess degradation.
- Compressive strength and weight loss were measured over 8 weeks.
- In vitro cell culture studies using osteogenic MC3T3-E1 cells were conducted.
- Antibacterial activity was evaluated.
Main Results:
- The BNC-CS-AG-GT hydrogel showed gradual degradation in SBF with lysozyme.
- Compressive strength decreased from ~68 to ~25 MPa, with a 54% weight reduction over 8 weeks.
- The scaffold was non-cytotoxic, supported cell adhesion and proliferation, and promoted osteogenic activity (ALP, mineralization).
- Significant antibacterial properties were observed.
Conclusions:
- The BNC-CS-AG-GT hydrogel exhibits favorable biodegradability, mechanical stability, biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity.
- These properties suggest potential for bone tissue engineering applications.
- Further in vivo studies are necessary to confirm efficacy under physiological conditions.
