Engineering three-dimensional (3-D) porous scaffolds with precise bio-functional properties is one of the most important issues in tissue engineering. In the present study, a three-dimensional gelatin-hyaluronic acid-alginate (GHA) polymeric composite was synthesized by freeze-drying, which was followed by ionic crosslinking using CaCl2, and evaluated for its suitability in bone tissue engineering applications. The obtained matrix showed high porosity (85%), an interconnected pore morphology and a rapid swelling behavior. The rheological analysis of GHA showed a viscoelastic characteristic, which suggested a high load bearing capacity without fractural deformation. The influence of the GHA matrix on cell growth and on modulating the differentiation ability of mesenchymal stem cells was evaluated by different biochemical and immunostaining assays. The monitoring of cells over a period of four weeks showed increased cellular proliferation and osteogenic differentiation without external growth factors, compared with control (supplemented with osteogenic differentiation medium). The in vivo matrix implantation showed higher matrix-tissue integration and cell infiltration as the duration of the implant increased. These results suggest that a porous GHA matrix with suitable mechanical integrity and tissue compatibility is a promising substrate for the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells for bone tissue engineering applications.
Keywords: Differentiation; Macroporous; Polymeric matrix; Stem cells; Tissue engineering.
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