Binary Biocompatible CNC–Gelatine Hydrogel as 3D Scaffolds Suitable for Cell Culture Adhesion and Growth

Luca Zoia,Laura Cipolla,Anna Binda,Ilaria Rivolta,Barbara La Ferla

doi:10.3390/applnano2020010

Abstract

Binary nano-biocomposite 3D scaffolds of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs)—gelatine were fabricated without using chemical crosslinking additives. Controlled oxidative treatment allowed introducing carboxyl or carbonyl functionalities on the surface of CNCs responsible for the crosslinking of gelatine polymers. The obtained composites were characterized for their physical-chemical properties. Their biocompatibility towards different cell cultures was evaluated through MTT and LDH assays, cellular adhesion and proliferation experiments. Gelatine composites reinforced with carbonyl-modified CNCs showed the most performing swelling/degradation profile and the most promising adhesion and proliferation properties towards cell lines, suggesting their potential application in the field of tissue engineering.

Highlights

Tissue engineering represents a frontier on damaged tissue and organ repair, which are difficult to be addressed by conventional therapeutic interventions [1,2]
Gelatine composites reinforced with carbonyl-modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) showed the most performing swelling/degradation profile and the most promising adhesion and proliferation properties towards cell lines, suggesting their potential application in the field of tissue engineering
Gelatine from porcine skin, Whatman#1 filter paper, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO) and sodium periodate (NaIO4 ), MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay kit were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich

Summary

Introduction

Tissue engineering represents a frontier on damaged tissue and organ repair, which are difficult to be addressed by conventional therapeutic interventions [1,2]. It is necessary to evaluate its biocompatibility in terms of lack of toxicity, cellular adhesion and proliferation properties and ability to differentiate into a new tissue [3]. In such a context, the scaffold holds a primary role in the interaction with native tissues. Gelatine is a natural biopolymer derived from the partial acid or base hydrolysis of collagen This biopolymer retains most of the principal characteristics of the parental structure, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and cellular adhesion properties. Feng et al obtained CNC–gelatine composites by mixing solutions of the two components in different ratios and studying their bioprinting properties [15]; Hivechi used glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent, produced electrospun CNC–gelatine nanofibers and evaluated its toxicity on cell cultures [16]

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion