Biomimetic alginate/polyacrylamide porous scaffold supports human mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and chondrogenesis

• ALG/PAAm hydrogels were prepared at different molar ratios for cartilage tissue engineering.
• ALG/PAAm hydrogels feature an interpenetrating polymer network structure.
• ALG/PAAm hydrogels demonstrate strengthened elastic and rubbery mechanical properties.
• hMSCs could be cultured on the ALG/PAAm hydrogels for proliferation and chondrogenesis.

We describe the development of alginate/polyacrylamide (ALG/PAAm) porous hydrogels based on interpenetrating polymer network structure for human mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and chondrogenesis. Three ALG/PAAm hydrogels at molar ratios of 10/90, 20/80, and 30/70 were prepared and characterized with enhanced elastic and rubbery mechanical properties, which are similar to native human cartilage tissues. Their elasticity and swelling properties were also studied under different physiological pH conditions. Finally, in vitro tests demonstrated that human mesenchymal stem cells could proliferate on the as-synthesized hydrogels with improved alkaline phosphatase activities. These results suggest that ALG/PAAm hydrogels may be a promising biomaterial for cartilage tissue engineering.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide