Porous matrix of calcium alginate/gelatin with enhanced properties as scaffold for cell culture.

Hydrophilic polysaccharides can be used to prepare porous matrices with a range of possible applications. One such application involves acting as scaffolds for cell culture. A new homogeneous and highly porous biopolymeric porous matrix (BPM) of calcium alginate/gelatin was produced by following a simple process. The key to this process was the selection of the porogen (aerated gelatin). The preparation technique comprises the following steps: incorporating the porogen into the solution of alginate (3%), molding, cross-linking the alginate in 1.41% CaCl2 (maximum gel strength; Cuadros et al., 2012. Carbohydr. Polym. 89, 1198-1206), molding, leaching and lyophilization. Cylinders of BPM were shown to have a relative density of 0.0274 ± 0.002, porosity of 97.26 ± 0.18%, an average internal pore size of 204 ± 58 µm and enhanced mechanical properties, while imbibing more than 11 times their dry weight in water. In vitro cell culture testing within BPM using mesenchymal stem cells was demonstrated by MTT assays and expression of alkaline phosphatase. The BPM provided a suitable microenvironment for seeding, adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of cells. The preparation technique and resulting porous matrix represent potential tools for future study and further applications.