Preparation, characteristics and assessment of a novel gelatin–chitosan sponge scaffold as skin tissue engineering material

In order to develop a skin tissue engineering material for wound dressing application, a novel gelatin–chitosan sponge scaffold was designed and studied. The effect of chitosan and gelatin ratio on the morphology, pore size, porosity, water uptake capacity, water retention capacity and the degradation behavior were evaluated. Biocompatibility was investigated by both MTT method and AO/EB staining method. Antibacterial assessment and in vivo pharmacodynamic was also studied to evaluate the potential for wound healing. Results showed the sponge scaffold have uniform porous structure with pore size range between 120 and 140 μm, high porosity (>90%), high water uptake capacity (>1500%), high water retention capacity (>400%), and degradation percent in 28 days between 38.3 and 53.9%. Biocompatibility results showed that the activity of cells could not be affected by the nature of the sponge and it was suitable for cell adhesion and proliferation for 21 days. In vivo evaluation indicated that the sponge scaffold could offer effective support and attachment to cells for skin wound healing. In conclusion, the developed sponge scaffold was a potential skin tissue engineering material with appropriate physical properties and good biocompatibility.

Graphical abstractThe morphology of HSF cells in sponges at different time intervals evaluated by AO/BE staining method. (a) The morphology of HSF; (b) the morphology of sponge scaffold; (c) sponge cultured with HSF at the 3rd day; (d) sponge cultured with HSF at the 7th day; (e) sponge cultured with HSF at the 14th day, (f) sponge cultured with HSF at the 21st day; (g) the morphology of HaCat on Gel/Chs sponge scaffold containing HSF, S: sponge, H: HaCat.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (112 K)Download as PowerPoint slide