posted on 2016-10-11, 00:00authored byNarges Naseri, B. Deepa, Aji P. Mathew, Kristiina Oksman, Lenart Girandon
Double
cross-linked interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels
of sodium alginate and gelatin (SA/G) reinforced with 50 wt % cellulose
nanocrystals (CNC) have been prepared via the freeze-drying process.
The IPNs were designed to incorporate CNC with carboxyl surface groups
as a part of the network contribute to the structural integrity and
mechanical stability of the hydrogel. Structural morphology studies
of the hydrogels showed a three-dimensional (3D) network of interconnected
pores with diameters in the range of 10–192 μm and hierarchical
pores with a nanostructured pore wall roughness, which has potential
benefits for cell adhesion. Significant improvements in the tensile
strength and strain were achieved in 98% RH at 37 °C for CNC
cross-linked IPNs. The high porosity of the scaffolds (>93%), high
phosphate buffered saline (PBS) uptake, and cytocompatibility toward
mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are confirmed and considered beneficial
for use as a substitute for cartilage.