Gelatin/Na2Ti3O7 Nanocomposite Scaffolds: Mechanical Properties and Characterization for Tissue Engineering Applications

Materials and manufacturing technologies are necessary for tissue engineering and developing temporary artificial extracellular matrices. In this study, scaffolds were fabricated from freshly synthesized titanate (Na₂Ti₃O₇) and its precursor titanium dioxide and their properties were investigated. The scaffolds with improved properties were then mixed with gelatin to form a scaffold material using the freeze-drying technique. To determine the optimal composition for the compression test of the nanocomposite scaffold, a mixture design with three factors of gelatin, titanate, and deionized water was used. Then, the scaffold microstructures were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the porosity of the nanocomposite scaffolds. The scaffolds were fabricated as a nanocomposite and determined their compressive modulus values. The results showed that the porosity of the gelatin/Na₂Ti₃O₇ nanocomposite scaffolds ranged from 67% to 85%. When the mixing ratio was 100:0, the degree of swelling was 22.98%. The highest swelling ratio of 85.43% was obtained when the freeze-drying technique was applied to the mixture of gelatin and Na₂Ti₃O₇ with a mixing ratio of 80:20. The specimens formed (gelatin:titanate = 80:20) exhibited a compressive modulus of 30.57 kPa. The sample with a composition of 15.10% gelatin, 2% Na₂Ti₃O₇, and 82.9% DI water, processed by the mixture design technique, showed the highest yield of 30.57 kPa in the compression test.

Anatase Incorporation to Bioactive Scaffolds Based on Salmon Gelatin and Its Effects on Muscle Cell Growth

The development of new polymer scaffolds is essential for tissue engineering and for culturing cells. The use of non-mammalian bioactive components to formulate these materials is an emerging field. In our previous work, a scaffold based on salmon gelatin was developed and tested in animal models to regenerate tissues effectively and safely. Here, the incorporation of anatase nanoparticles into this scaffold was formulated, studying the new composite structure by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis. The incorporation of anatase nanoparticles modified the scaffold microstructure by increasing the pore size from 208 to 239 µm and significantly changing the pore shape. The glass transition temperature changed from 46.9 to 55.8 °C, and an increase in the elastic modulus from 79.5 to 537.8 kPa was observed. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was tested using C2C12 myoblasts, modulating their attachment and growth. The anatase nanoparticles modified the stiffness of the material, making it possible to increase the growth of myoblasts cultured onto scaffolds, which envisions their use in muscle tissue engineering.

Incorporation of Conductive Materials into Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering Applications

In the field of tissue engineering, conductive hydrogels have been the most effective biomaterials to mimic the biological and electrical properties of tissues in the human body. The main advantages of conductive hydrogels include not only their physical properties but also their adequate electrical properties, which provide electrical signals to cells efficiently. However, when introducing a conductive material into a non-conductive hydrogel, a conflicting relationship between the electrical and mechanical properties may develop. This review examines the strengths and weaknesses of the generation of conductive hydrogels using various conductive materials such as metal nanoparticles, carbons, and conductive polymers. The fabrication method of blending, coating, and in situ polymerization is also added. Furthermore, the applications of conductive hydrogel in cardiac tissue engineering, nerve tissue engineering, and bone tissue engineering and skin regeneration are discussed in detail.