3D-Printed Alginate Dialdehyde (ADA)-Gelatin (GEL) Hydrogels with Gallic Acid (GA) for Enhanced Multifunctional...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Alginate dialdehyde-gelatin (ADA-GEL) is a composite biomaterial with potential applications in regenerative medicine.
• Gallic acid (GA) is a natural phenolic compound known for its antioxidant and bioactive properties.
• Enhancing the functionality of ADA-GEL through bioactive molecule incorporation is crucial for improving its performance in tissue regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the successful incorporation of gallic acid (GA) into an alginate dialdehyde-gelatin (ADA-GEL) matrix.
• To evaluate the impact of GA on the structural, thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of ADA-GEL.
• To assess the bioactivity, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytocompatibility, of the GA-functionalized ADA-GEL (ADA-GEL-GA) for bone tissue regeneration applications.

Main Methods:

• Spectroscopic analyses (Raman) were used to confirm GA integration.
• Thermal and structural assessments were performed to evaluate the polymer framework.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to analyze surface morphology.
• Antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH radical scavenging assays.
• Swelling and degradation behaviors were assessed.
• Rheological properties were evaluated to determine printability.
• Three-dimensional (3D) printing was utilized to fabricate scaffolds.
• Cytocompatibility was tested using MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts.
• Antibacterial activity was assessed against *Staphylococcus aureus*.

Main Results:

• Spectroscopic data confirmed GA integration within the ADA-GEL matrix.
• SEM analysis revealed increased surface roughness, indicating network modification.
• GA functionalization significantly enhanced antioxidant activity (∼96% DPPH scavenging).
• The material maintained structural integrity, with unaffected swelling and degradation.
• Improved rheological properties at 0.125% and 0.25% GA allowed successful 3D printing of scaffolds with controlled pore sizes (∼0.6 mm).
• The printed scaffolds demonstrated good cytocompatibility with MC3T3-E1 cells.
• ADA-GEL-GA films exhibited antibacterial activity against *Staphylococcus aureus*.

Conclusions:

• ADA-GEL-GA composite biomaterials exhibit enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
• The incorporation of GA improves the 3D printability of ADA-GEL scaffolds without compromising structural integrity.
• The developed ADA-GEL-GA material shows significant potential for bone tissue regeneration due to its cytocompatibility and bioactive functionalities.