Biomimetic collagen-carragenan scaffold for non-drug stimulation of tissue regeneration

Objective. To evaluate the mechanical strength, biodegradability and biocompatibility of composite hydro- and xerogels made from hydrolyzed type I collagen and kappa-carrageenan. Materials and methods. Using the TA.XTplus texture analyzer, the strength of composite hydro- and xerogels, as well as the intensity of their biodegradation in acidic, neutral and alkaline environments, were estimated. Using light and fluorescence microscopy, the morphometric characteristics of human fibroblasts and their proliferative activity were estimated. Results. It was found that carrageenan in the hydrogel increases the strength of the structure. Lyophilization of the G4C4-Hydro composite hydrogel allows obtaining a biomaterial with improved mechanical characteristics and increased resistance to destruction in acidic, neutral and alkaline salt solutions. It was found that the G4C4-Hydro and G4C4-Xero samples do not have an inhibitory effect on fibroblast proliferation. It was found that, unlike hydrogel, xerogels not only support fibroblast adhesion on their surface, but also provide favorable conditions that keep fibroblasts viable. Conclusion. The composite xerogel G4C4-Xero containing hydrolyzed type I collagen and kappa-carrageenan can be used both as an extracellular scaffold for creating tissue-engineering structures and as an independent biomaterial for filling the volume of tissue lost as a result of surgery or injury.