Porous Curdlan–Whey Protein Isolate Scaffolds Obtained by Combined Method for Cartilage Tissue Engineering Application

The aim of this study was to develop porous curdlan (Cur)-whey protein isolate (WPI) biomaterials and evaluate their properties as potential cartilage scaffolds. A novel combined fabrication method involving ion-exchange dialysis, porogen leaching, freezing, and freeze-drying was employed to obtain a porous structure. Two types of scaffolds differing in protein content (5 wt.% and 7.5 wt.%) were fabricated and designated as Cur_WPI_5% and Cur_WPI_7.5%, respectively. The microstructure of the biomaterials was analyzed using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Physicochemical properties, including wettability and absorption capacity, were also evaluated. In addition, the viability and proliferation of osteoblasts (hFOB 1.19 cell line) in direct contact with scaffolds were assessed. The results demonstrated that both biomaterials exhibited a porous, rough, and hydrophilic structure, as well as a high liquid absorption capacity. Cell culture studies revealed that the Cur_WPI_7.5% scaffold showed greater cytocompatibility, promoting not only osteoblast viability and but also proliferation in vitro. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the developed curdlan/WPI scaffolds, particularly Cur_WPI_7.5%, possess structural and physicochemical properties favorable for cartilage tissue regeneration, highlighting their potential as promising scaffold for future applications.