Development and Characterization of Agarose Structures Reinforced With Laponite Nanoparticles for Tissue Engineering Applications

ABSTRACT Biomaterials play a critical role in advancing tissue engineering solutions. Structures with different geometries and architectures are produced with biomaterials, having the purpose to provide support for cells to attach, proliferate and differentiate. This study characterizes scaffolds and discs composed of varying concentrations of agarose and laponite, evaluating their physico‐chemical properties. The results demonstrate a maximum swelling ratio of 45.46 4.13, and a gel fraction exceeding 90%, being both essential for successful tissue engineering solutions. The scaffolds exhibited stiffness values ranging from 1.84 0.42 kPa to 18.85 3.66 kPa, which is useful for soft tissue applications, along with a higher storage modulus than loss modulus, indicating a predominantly elastic behavior. Additionally, all blends displayed shear‐thinning behavior, advantageous for processing via 3D printing. In terms of degradation, in vitro tests revealed higher degradation rates in samples without laponite. Overall, the evaluated properties show that incorporating laponite nanoparticles into agarose enhances structural support while maintaining key mechanical and physical characteristics. This highlights the potential of agarose–laponite composites as promising alternative biomaterials for tissue engineering applications.