A study on degradation behavior of 3D printed gellan gum scaffolds

Gellan gum (GG) is one of the natural hydrogels showing potential for tissue engineering. In this study, we investigate GG for wound dressing and cartilage applications through 3D printing which allows for the creation of complex structures and scaffolds with different porosities. Degradation of two different GG scaffold designs and one solid sample were performed using both simulated body fluid and phosphate buffered saline. It was found that the scaffolds with a higher surface area to mass ratio have a higher degradation rate, and that the compressive modulus and strength increase after degradation in simulated body fluid. (c) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.