Enhancement of Mechanical and Biological Properties of Chitosan/Gelatin Composite Hydrogels With Hydroxyapatite and Functionalized Carbon Nanotube Reinforcements

• Published in: Polymer engineering and science Vol. 65; no. 8; pp. 4198 - 4210
• Main Authors: Nikpar, Samaneh, Rezaie, Hamid Reza, Khavandi, Alireza, Javadpour, Jafar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.08.2025; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Biocompatibility; Biological properties; Cell adhesion; Chitosan; chitosan/gelatin hydrogel; Compressive strength; Degradation; Fourier transforms; Gelatin; Hydrogels; Hydroxyapatite; Infrared analysis; Modulus of elasticity; Multi wall carbon nanotubes; multiwalled carbon nanotubes; Pore size; Scaffolds; Structural integrity; Structural stability; Tissue engineering
• ISSN: 0032-3888; 1548-2634
• DOI: 10.1002/pen.27285

ABSTRACT The development of hydrogel scaffolds with enhanced mechanical strength, controlled degradation behavior, and excellent biocompatibility remains a significant challenge in tissue engineering. In this study, composite hydrogel samples based on gelatin and chitosan were synthesized using a freeze‐drying technique to obtain a porous structure. Glutaraldehyde was used as a chemical crosslinker, and hydroxyapatite particles (HA; 1wt.%, 2wt.%, and 3wt.%) and functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (f‐MWCNTs; 0.2wt.%, 0.3wt.%, and 0.4wt.%) were incorporated into this porous structure to improve both structural integrity and biological properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analyses confirmed the successful incorporation and interaction of the fillers within the polymer matrix. Increasing the HA and f‐MWCNTs content led to a reduction in pore size and significantly enhanced compressive strength and Young's modulus. Furthermore, the swelling capacity and degradation rate were effectively reduced with increasing HA and f‐MWCNT concentrations, leading to improved structural stability. In vitro evaluations using MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblasts revealed that scaffolds containing 1wt.% HA and 0.2wt.%–0.3wt.% f‐MWCNTs maintained cell viability above 70% and promoted cell adhesion and proliferation. These findings demonstrate the potential application of the developed chitosan/gelatin hydrogels as bioactive scaffolds in the field of tissue engineering. Gelatin/chitosan hydrogels reinforced with hydroxyapatite and functionalized carbon nanotubes exhibited enhanced compressive strength, reduced pore size, swelling ratio, and degradation rate, while supporting cell viability, demonstrating a well‐optimized balance between structural integrity and cytocompatibility for use in biomedical scaffold applications.