Physical Characteristics Evaluation of IPN Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Gelatin Hydrogels as a Potential Tissue Engineering Scaffolds

The IPN PVA/gelatin (PVA/GE) hydrogels prepared by freeze-thawing cycles were a procedure represent as non-biodegradable scaffolds for tissue regeneration. The effects of cross-linking between IPN PVA/GE blend on physical, mechanical, and biological properties were investigated. Gel fraction and strength were increased upon increasing the concentration of gelatin and the number of freezing-thawing cycles. The morphology of hydrogels was evaluated and compared with pure PVA hydrogels. The obtained results indicate that when a natural macromolecules was added to PVA the internal structure of the material changes. By adding 2% by weight of gelatin to PVA hydrogels, the tensile strength of IPN PVA/GE hydrogels shows an increase of 0.89 MPa. Fibroblasts L929 cells were seeded on the surfaces of a cross-linked IPN PVA/GE hydrogels and were found to attach firmly by expressing philopodial extensions. The MTT assay confirmed that the cells readily proliferated on a cross-linked IPN PVA/GE scaffolds. The fibroblast cell-matrix interaction demonstrated that the active biocompatibility of the hydrogels was facilitated by using GE and cross-linking. In conclusion, our results suggest that cross-linked IPN PVA/GE scaffolds hold promise for tissue engineering applications, especially in the field of artificial bone implant.