Hybrid microcrystalline cellulose bio-aerogels and fish scale particles for bone tissue engineering: A physicochemical and in vitro biological evaluation approach

The development of sustainable biomaterials for bone regeneration represents a current challenge in tissue engineering. In this study, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) aerogels were developed, to which fish scale particles (FSP) were added; these particles contain collagen and hydroxyapatite in their structure, with the aim of increasing the bioactivity of the aerogels. The results confirmed the incorporation of FSP into the cellulose matrix, modifying the material's physicochemical and mechanical properties. Biological evaluation using human fetal osteoblasts showed that the leachates exhibited no cytotoxicity and that the aerogels containing FSP promoted greater cell viability compared to the cellulose aerogel. Furthermore, the Alizarin Red assay revealed an increase in mineral deposition after 7 and 14 days of culture. These results suggest that the incorporation of FSP provides a surface with altered wettability and chemical composition due to the presence of amino, carboxyl, calcium, and phosphate groups derived from the collagen and hydroxyapatite rich FSP, which may contribute to cell/material interactions. Overall, the developed aerogels represent a waste-derived alternative with potential for applications in bone tissue regeneration.