Preparation and evaluation of hydrogel-composites from methacrylated hyaluronic acid, alginate, and gelatin for tissue engineering.

Hydrogels are three-dimensional water-insoluble hydrophilic natural or synthetic polymer networks made up of crosslinked water-soluble polymers. The purpose of this study was to develop and directly compare photo crosslinked hydrogels on the basis of pure gelatin, alginate and hyaluronic acid as well as their blends. The functionalization of starting materials with methacrylate moieties was evaluated by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Hydrogels were prepared from methacrylates by photo cross-linking using UV light. The effect of changing the hydrogel composition was quantified through examination of hydrogel swelling behavior and rheological properties. In addition, the viability and adhesion of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCM) seeded onto the hydrogels was examined by in vivo imaging of NRCM-mediated scaffold contraction as well as by histological evaluation after immunostaining. Biological testing showed good biocompatibility and cell survival in the presence of all materials discussed. Adhesion of cells could only be observed in the presence of gelatin. Blends of gelatin, alginate and hyaluronic acid are promising candidates for the generation of non-toxic, biocompatible hydrogel scaffolds for tissue engineering. Variation of individual compound ratios in the blends can be used for a precise control of mechanical properties and may allow wide-ranging uses in various tissue engineering applications with different mechanical requirements.