Anionic Polysaccharide Cryogels: Interaction and In Vitro Behavior of Alginate–Gum Arabic Composites

Abstract

In the present study, polysaccharide-based cryogels demonstrate their potential to mimic a synthetic extracellular matrix. Alginate-based cryogel composites with different gum arabic ratios were synthesized by an external ionic cross-linking protocol, and the interaction between the anionic polysaccharides was investigated. The structural features provided by FT-IR, Raman, and MAS NMR spectra analysis indicated that a chelation mechanism is the main process linking the two biopolymers. In addition, SEM investigations revealed a porous, interconnected, and well-defined structure suitable as a scaffold in tissue engineering. The in vitro tests confirmed the bioactive character of the cryogels through the development of the apatite layer on the surface of the samples after immersion in simulated body fluid, identifying the formation of a stable phase of calcium phosphate and a small amount of calcium oxalate. Cytotoxicity tests performed on fibroblast cells demonstrated the non-toxic effect of alginate–gum arabic cryogel composites. In addition, an increase in flexibility was noted for samples with a high gum arabic content, which determines an appropriate environment to promote tissue regeneration. The newly obtained biomaterials that exhibit all these properties can be successfully involved in the regeneration of soft tissues, wound management, or controlled drug release systems.

Super-Macroporous Pulluan Cryogels as Controlled Active Delivery Systems with Controlled Degradability

“…According to the TGA thermograms in Figure 2b, the pullulan biopolymer lost approximately 75% of its mass between 300 and 350 °C, and approximately 98% of its total mass in the 360-560 °C range, thermally decomposing at the second step. The significant weight loss of 75%, specific to an exothermic phenomenon, observed in the 300-360 °C range was consistent with the literature [29,33,34]. This phenomenon is closely in line with earlier research and can be explained by the depolymerization and decomposition of the polymeric matrix at higher temperatures [35,36].…”

Gums as Macromolecular Crowding Agents in Human Skin Fibroblast Cultures

“…Furter, the cytocompatibility of CR has been well-established in the literature [58,93] and has even been used effectively in clinical settings [94,95]. Similarly, all assessed gums are used extensively in the biomaterials field with an equal well-documented cytocompatibility (e.g., GA [96][97][98][99], GG [100][101][102][103][104], GK [105][106][107], GX [108][109][110]) with a diverse range of cell populations.…”

RNA Coating Promotes Peri-Implant Osseointegration

“…44 SBF, which closely resembles the composition of human plasma, is commonly employed in vitro to mimic apatite formation in vivo. 45 Studies have shown that negatively charged groups, especially those containing phosphates, are the most effective inducers of the nucleation of CaP. 46 The presence of apatite deposits on biomaterial surfaces after immersion in SBF serves as an indicator of the potential osseointegration capabilities in vivo.…”

“…SBF, which closely resembles the composition of human plasma, is commonly employed in vitro to mimic apatite formation in vivo . Studies have shown that negatively charged groups, especially those containing phosphates, are the most effective inducers of the nucleation of CaP .…”