Gelatin
and hyaluronic acid are natural biopolymers that are important
components of soft tissues in the human body, and both have been used
in several biomedical applications. To achieve controllable mechanical
and degradation properties of gelatin and hyaluronic acid, methacrylic
acid has been used to modify photocrosslinkable gelatin methacryloyl
(GelMA) and hyaluronic acid methacryloyl (HAMA). Irgacure 2959 (I2959)
and anthocyanidin have been used as photoinitiators for comparison.
Finally, the photocrosslinked GelMA/HAMA composite scaffold has been
prepared for bone tissue regeneration. The composite scaffolds were
prepared using mold casting and photocrosslinking techniques. Specific
ratios of GelMA and HAMA reagents were mixed properly with I2959 or
anthocyanidin photoinitiators. Samples were examined with chemical
and material, in vitro, and in vivo evaluations. Furthermore, two photoinitiators, I2959 and anthocyanidin,
can crosslink the GelMA/HAMA composite scaffold. A 1% HAMA incorporation
can significantly decrease the degradation of the GelMA/HAMA scaffold
compared with GelMA only. Also, HAMA participation can improve cell
viability and promote bone-related cell differentiation and tissue
regeneration (bone formation) without any apparent adverse reactions in vivo.
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