Preparation and characterization of chitosan/gelatin /PVA scaffolds for tissue engineering application

In recent decades the use of polymeric scaffolds for growing cells has been a large increase because of its promising applications in tissue engineering (TE). The objective of this study is to propose an alternative of chitosan (Chi), gelatin (Ge) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) scaffold, for growing cells, prepared at different Chi/Ge/PVA weight ratios of 1:1:1, 2:2:1, 2:3:1 and 3:2:1 these scaffolds were obtained through freeze-thaw cycles followed by lyophilization. The scaffolds, characteristics such as: morphology, pore size, porosity, swelling, degradation, mechanical properties, functional groups, and cell viability were evaluated. Scaffolds with pores over the entire surface, with heterogeneous pore sizes that varied between 0.6-265 μm, an interconnected three-dimensional network scaffold with porosity greater than 80% were obtained. The highest compressive strength reached 101.6 Pa. The scaffolds had a maximum swelling capacity greater than 600% and a controllable degradation rate, conserving their three-dimensional network structure after 28 days of being immersed in PBS. Additionally, scaffolds Chi/Ge/ PVA 2:3:1 and 3:2:1 was the highest cell viability presented. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that the technique used to manufacture the scaffolds was simple, which increases their reproducibility. It was observed that this technique positively influenced pore formation and size in scaffolds. All these characteristics generate an important effect on the diffusion of nutrients, adhesion, and cell viability. Finally, the high porosity of the scaffolds influenced the mechanical properties, and these properties are fundamental because the scaffolds must have the ability to resist loads and transfer it correctly to the cells. Additionally, these mechanical properties allow the scaffolds to be easily manipulated at the time of being implemented in the crop and these could maintain rigidity while allowing the formation of extracellular matrix (ECM). These results suggest that Chi/Ge/PVA scaffolds are a promising alternative to improve the viability of BRIN-BD11 cells in vitro.