Preparation and Evaluation of Physical and Biological Properties of Three-Dimensional Scaffolds Based on Poly (glycerol succinic acid) (PGSU) and Chitosan for Use in Soft Tissue Engineering

The development of biocompatible, biodegradable, and structurally adaptable scaffolds remains a critical challenge in tissue engineering. In this study, a series of novel three-dimensional porous scaffolds were fabricated by combining poly (glycerol succinate) (PGSu) with varying weight ratios of chitosan (Ch) using a salt-leaching technique. The chemical structure and functional group interactions were confirmed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed enhanced molecular ordering in Cs-rich compositions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrate that the incorporation of Cs improved pore interconnectivity and surface roughness. Contact angle measurements and swelling tests indicated increased hydrophilicity and water uptake, particularly in PGSu/Cs (30/70) scaffolds. Mechanical testing revealed that PGSu/Ch (50/50) exhibited superior compressive strength and elasticity under both dry and hydrated conditions, while PGSu/Ch (30/70) demonstrated enhanced flexibility and deformability in wet environments which is an essential feature for tissue applications. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and hydrolytic degradation in fetal bovine serum (FBS) revealed that Ch content modulated scaffold thermal stability and biodegradation rate, with PGSu/Ch (30/70) degrading most rapidly over 60 days. Biological assessments, including MTT assay and SEM-based cell adhesion analysis, confirmed excellent cytocompatibility for all PGSu/Ch scaffolds. The PGSu/Ch (30/70) composition demonstrated the highest levels of cell viability, adhesion, and surface colonization over a 7-day culture period. These findings highlight the potential of PGSu/Ch scaffolds as tunable biomaterials for soft tissue regeneration, offering a favorable balance between mechanical performance, biodegradability, and cellular compatibility.