Microstructure and characteristic properties of gelatin/chitosan scaffold prepared by the freeze-gelation method

Three-dimensional porous scaffolds are essential in tissue engineering applications. One of the most conventional methods to form porosity in scaffolds is freeze-drying, which is not energy efficient and cost effective. Therefore in this work, it was experimentally investigated whether gelatin, with its unique mechanical properties and cell binding applications, could be used as a comprising polymer of scaffolds with porous structure made by the freeze-gelation method. Chitosan, gelatin and chitosan/gelatin scaffolds were fabricated by the freeze-gelation method and their behaviors, determined by analysis of scanning electron microscopy images, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, tensile strength and swelling results, were compared. It was seen that gelatin on its own was incapable of forming a porous scaffold following this procedure, but the chitosan/gelatin hybrid scaffold maintained its porosity and integrity, as did the chitosan scaffold. Fourier transform infrared spectra proved the binding of gelatin in the hybrid scaffold while the mechanical testing showed increase of tensile strength with increasing chitosan levels in the scaffold. The hybrid samples had smaller pores and lower swelling ratios than the chitosan scaffold. The strategy proposed here to incorporate gelatin into the established freeze-gelation method to produce hybrid scaffolds can be used to improve this method to include other polymers as well.