Characterization and in vitro evaluation of double cross-linked PVA/chitosan-alginate biocomposite scaffolds coated...

In this study, novel 3D bioprinted composite scaffolds were developed using Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chitosan (CS), sodium alginate (Alg), and turmeric (Tur) to investigate their potential as advanced bioactive platforms for wound healing and drug delivery. The scaffolds were fabricated via extrusion-based bioprinting, where rheological analysis confirmed a distinct shear-thinning behavior and a robust storage modulus (G') of approximately 12.5 kPa, ensuring high-fidelity layered architecture. SEM analysis revealed highly organized, interconnected porous structures with average pore diameters of 150-300 μm, suitable for cellular infiltration. Mechanical characterization demonstrated that the PVA/CS-Alg/Tur composite reached a superior tensile strength of ∼58 MPa and an elastic modulus of 793.65 MPa, representing the highest stiffness and durability among all formulations due to synergistic double-crosslinking. Physical stability tests showed a controlled swelling factor of 162% and a sustained degradation profile, with only 18.5% mass loss after 14 days. Crucially, mathematical modelling of in vitro release kinetics identified the PVA/CS-Alg/Tur system as the most effective delivery platform, exhibiting an excellent fit to the Zero-order kinetic model (R² = 0.9852) and achieving a sustained turmeric release of 53.77% over 7.5 days. Furthermore, the scaffolds demonstrated potent antioxidant activity, reaching 78.4% DPPH radical scavenging efficiency. Biological evaluations using L929 and MC3T3 cell lines confirmed the non-toxic nature of the scaffolds, with the PVA/CS-Alg/Tur group supporting significantly higher cell viability (above 70% at 1:8 ratio) and enhanced proliferation compared to pure PVA. Overall, these quantitative findings confirm that the newly developed PVA/CS-Alg/Tur biocomposite is a promising candidate for safe and effective biomedical applications, particularly in the treatment of chronic inflammatory wounds and controlled drug delivery systems.