Collagen-polyurethane-maltodextrin hydrogels as bioactive scaffolds for soft and hard tissue regeneration,...

Developing multifunctional biomaterials capable of supporting diverse therapeutic applications remains a major challenge in regenerative medicine. In this study, semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogels composed of collagen (C), polyurethane (PU), and maltodextrin (MD) were synthesized to investigate the influence of MD content (0-50 wt%) on their physicochemical and biological performance. The hydrogels exhibited an amorphous morphology with embedded MD granules, enhanced swelling capacity (up to 1100 %), and reduced crosslinking density at higher MD contents. Formulations containing 20-30 wt% MD demonstrated improved mechanical strength (G' = 267 Pa), higher thermal stability, and slower degradation under pH 5.5, pH 7.4, and simulated body fluid conditions. Increasing MD concentrations (30-50 wt%) promoted the metabolic activity of monocytes, fibroblasts, and bone-derived cells (up to 130-150 % relative to control), while exerting antiproliferative effects against colon cancer cells (notably at 40 wt% MD, with 56 % of viability). The CPU-MD30 hydrogel stimulated IL-10 secretion, whereas 10 wt% MD maintained baseline MCP-1 levels. Hydrogels exhibited excellent hemocompatibility and antibacterial activity, inhibiting E. coli by 93 % and S. aureus by 58 %, likely arising from oxidized maltodextrin byproducts and polyurethane segments that disrupt bacterial membranes. Drug release assays confirmed pH-sensitive release profiles for ketorolac and methylene blue. Hydrogels with higher MD content accelerated in vitro wound closure (by up to 15 days) and promoted surface mineralization by forming carbonated hydroxyapatite, confirming their osteoconductive potential. These CPU-MD hydrogels demonstrate strong potential as bioactive scaffolds for soft- and hard-tissue regeneration, immunomodulation, controlled drug delivery, and selective cancer therapy.