Gelatin/Oxidized Konjac Glucomannan Composite Hydrogels with High Resistance to Large Deformation for Tissue Engineering Applications

Abstract

In this study, gelatin hydrogels with remarkable compressive properties and recoverability were prepared via Shiff’s base chemical cross-linking between gelatin and oxidized konjac glucomannan (OKG). The process of OKG was first optimized by adjusting parameters, that is, oxidation temperature and time during processing. Various percentages of obtained OKG (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 wt % to gelatin) were introduced to make composite hydrogels (G-OKGs). These G-OKGs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, swelling ratio, and mechanical tests. In comparison with pure gelatin hydrogels, the G-OKGs exhibit significantly increased stress and modulus, and favorable recoverability after cyclic large deformation (up to 85% of the original height). Additionally, G-OKGs with uniform porous structures are biocompatible to support the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In conclusion, this study provides a reference for developing mechanically stable and recoverable hydrogels, and these kinds of hydrogels show potential capacity in tissue engineering and biomedical applications that may be undergoing extra forces and large deformation.

Preparation of gelatin-based hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties and modulation on cell–matrix interactions

“…17 Thus, a mountain of efforts like composite materials and cross-linking treatmenthave beenutilized to realize more stable and ductile substitutes for various applications of hydrogels. 18,19 As reported by Rajalaxmi et al, a biocompatible gelatin-based hydrogel was reinforced with oxidized cellulose nano-whiskers to improve the mechanical and thermal stability. 20 Nevertheless, the addition of cellulose nano-whiskers would compromise the biocompatibility and biodegradability of hydrogels.…”

In situ forming hydrogel recombination with tissue adhesion and antibacterial property for tissue adhesive

“…The cell viability was determined via a CCK-8 assay because CCK-8 solution can be reduced to yellow formazan products by mitochondrial dehydrogenation enzyme in living cells. 46 The generated formazan product is proportional to the number of living cells, which can be indirectly reflected by the absorption value at 450 nm. As shown in Figure 9(b), cell numbers in all groups increase with the culture time, indicating the excellent cytocompatibility of these hydrogels.…”

Dialdehyde Modified Tree Gum Karaya: A Sustainable Green Crosslinker for Gelatin‐Based Edible Films

“…[ 39 ] Because of the presence of KDA, the peak intensity of the composite films at 1033 cm −1 is greater than that of the neat gelatin film, which may be ascribed to the CO stretching arising from the KDA. [ 40 ] The absence of KDA's distinctive aldehyde peak at 1733 cm −1 in all the composite films implies that these groups were consumed in the formation of Schiff's base, whereby crosslinking the gelatin films. [ 25,41 ] The fingerprint peak of Schiff's base, formed by the reaction between the aldehyde and ε‐amino groups, is generally visible around 1630 cm −1 .…”