Nanocomposite scaffolds based on gelatin and alginate reinforced by Zn2SiO4 with enhanced mechanical and chemical properties for tissue engineering

Abstract

Hydrogels have been employed in regenerative treatments for decades because of their biocompatibility and structural similarity to the native extracellular matrix. Injectable hydrogels with interconnected porosity and specific internal structures are momentous for tissue engineering. Here, we develop a group of injectable hydrogels comprised of oxidized alginate (OA)/gelatin (GEL) strengthened by modifying the amount of Zn2SiO4 nanoparticles. The physicochemical characteristics of OA/GEL/Zn2SiO4 hydrogels were studied by mechanical strength, swelling ratio, and morphology. The outcomes revealed that the mechanical characteristics of hydrogels containing a higher amount of Zn2SiO4 (0.12 wt%) improved more than five times than the hydrogels fabricated without Zn2SiO4. The in vitro degradation outcomes manifested the degradation of the hydrogel comprising 0.12 wt% Zn2SiO4 NPs was slower than one without NPs, and remaining masses of hydrogels depend on different contents of Zn2SiO4 NPs. The hydrogel containing Zn2SiO4 NPs exhibited less cytotoxicity and good cell attachment than the hydrogels prepared without the nanoparticles. The cell viability and attachment show that the nanocomposite hydrogels are biocompatible (>96%) with great cell adhesion to osteosarcoma cell line MG63 depending on the presence of Zn2SiO4. The superior physical, chemical as well as mechanical characteristics of the hydrogels containing Zn2SiO4 NPs along with their cytocompatibility suggest that they can introduce as good candidates as scaffolds in tissue engineering