Schizophyllan-Based Hydrogels Characterization for Biomedical Engineering Applications

This study reports the fabrication and characterization of schizophyllan (SPG) - gelatin hydrogel scaffolds for biomedical applications. SPG, a $\beta$-glucan polysaccharide, was selected for its unique biological activities, while gelatin provided cell-binding motifs to enhance cellular interactions. The gelation time of the hydrogels were evaluated using the tube inversion method, revealing the rapid formation of a stable network structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated the highly porous and interconnected microstructure of the hydrogel scaffolds, which is crucial for facilitating cell infiltration and nutrient transport which indicated average pore size of approximately $6550.619 \pm 4931.847 \mu \mathrm{~m}$. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the formation of aldehyde groups at $2905 \mathbf{~ c m}^{-1}$ in oxidized SPG, forming Schiff base linkages between the oxidized schizophyllan and gelatin was observed at $1572 \mathbf{~ c m}^{-1}$ within the hydrogel network with suitable swelling behavior of $\mathbf{1 5}$ to $\mathbf{2 0}$ fold. Additionally the gelation time was estimated about 3 to 5 minutes. The combination of SPG, gelatin, and borax resulted in the fabrication of a biocompatible hydrogel scaffolds with appropriate properties for tissue engineering applications.