Biomimetic mineralization of chitosan/gelatin cryogels and in vivo biocompatibility assessments for bone tissue engineering

The objective of this study is to develop biomimetic chitosan: gelatin (CH:Gel) cryogels for bone tissue engineering, combining the biological recognition of natural polymers with the distinguished interconnected porosity of cryogels, and biomimicking properties of bone like hydroxyapatite. The control of the biomineralization process onto biomaterials should be evaluated before clinical application. Therefore, the effect of chitosan and gelatin ratios on the final properties of the cryogels were investigated. FTIR, XRD, and SEM analysis indicated that the SBF coating exhibited similar characteristics to hydroxyapatite. The cryogels showed good biocompatibility with L929 mouse fibroblasts. Clinical outcomes and gross pathological examination showed that neither necrosis nor foreign body reaction was noted at the end of implantation. The biomimetically mineralized scaffold was found to be non-irritant and non-toxic for bone tissue. The biological performance and favorable properties demonstrated that the SBF coated CH:Gel cryogel can be a promising biomimetic scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications.

Automated summary

The study developed biomimetic chitosan: gelatin cryogels for bone tissue engineering, which combine the biological recognition of natural polymers with the interconnected porosity of cryogels and properties mimicking bone like hydroxyapatite. The research evaluated the effect of chitosan and gelatin ratios on the final properties of the cryogels, showing promising biocompatibility and favorable properties for bone tissue engineering applications.