In vitro study on the preparation of catalpol/GelMA hydrogel and its antioxidant properties

[Objective:] To investigate the effects of catalpol on rat Schwann cell (RSC) and establish a catalpol/methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel, followed by in vitro evaluation of its biocompatibility and antioxidant properties. [Methods:] First, the optimal concentration of catalpol for acting on RSC96 cell (rat Schwann cell line) was determined through CCK8 assay. Subsequently, the effects of catalpol on RSC96 cell migration were analyzed by using scratch assay and Transwell assay. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to assess catalpol's influence on mRNA expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). An oxidative stress model was established using H2O2, and catalpol's antioxidant capacity was evaluated through CCK8 assay and reactive oxygen species (ROS) staining. Finally, the mechanical properties, biocompatibility, antioxidant capacity of catalpol/GelMA hydrogel, along with its effects on RSC96 cell proliferation, were systematically investigated. [Results:] The optimal concentration of catalpol in GelMA for acting on RSC96 cells was determined to be 10 μmol/L. At this concentration, catalpol significantly promoted the proliferation and migration of RSC96 cell, upregulated mRNA expression levels of GFAP, NGF, BDNF and GDNF, and attenuated oxidative stress-induced damage in RSC96 cells. The constructed catalpol/GelMA hydrogel demonstrated excellent capability for RSC96 cell encapsulation and exhibited favorable biocompatibility. Furthermore, it effectively enhanced RSC96 cell proliferation and exerted protective effects against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity. [Conclusion:] Catalpol/GelMA hydrogel has good in vitro cell biocompatibility and antioxidant properties.