@article{
author = "Filipović, Vuk and Babić Radić, Marija M. and Vuković, Jovana S. and Vukomanović, Marija and Rubert, Marina and Hofmann, Sandra and Müller, Ralph and Tomić, Simonida Lj.",
year = "2022",
abstract = "New composite 3D scaffolds were developed as a combination of synthetic polymer, poly(2-
hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), and a natural polymer, gelatin, with a ceramic component,
nanohydroxyapatite (ID nHAp) dopped with metal ions. The combination of a synthetic polymer,
to be able to tune the structure and the physicochemical and mechanical properties, and a natural
polymer, to ensure the specific biological functions of the scaffold, with inorganic filler was applied.
The goal was to make a new material with superior properties for applications in the biomedical
field which mimics as closely as possible the native bone extracellular matrix (ECM). Biodegrad able PHEMA hydrogel was obtained by crosslinking HEMA by poly(β-amino esters) (PBAE). The
scaffold’s physicochemical and mechanical properties, in vitro degradation, and biological activity
were assessed so to study the effects of the incorporation of nHAp in the (PHEMA/PBAE/gelatin)
hydrogel, as well as the effect of the different pore-forming methods. Cryogels had higher elasticity,
swelling, porosity, and percent of mass loss during degradation than the samples obtained by poro genation. The composite scaffolds had a higher mechanical strength, 10.14 MPa for the porogenated
samples and 5.87 MPa for the cryogels, but a slightly lower degree of swelling, percent of mass loss,
and porosity than the hybrid ones. All the scaffolds were nontoxic and had a high cell adhesion rate,
which was 15–20% higher in the composite samples. Cell metabolic activity after 2 and 7 days of
culture was higher in the composites, although not statistically different. After 28 days, cell metabolic
activity was similar in all scaffolds and the TCP control. No effect of integrating nHAp into the
scaffolds on osteogenic cell differentiation could be observed. Synergetic effects occurred which
influenced the mechanical behavior, structure, physicochemical properties, and interactions with
biological species.",
publisher = "MDPI",
journal = "Polymers",
title = "Biodegradable Hydrogel Scaffolds Based on 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, Gelatin, Poly(β-amino esters), and Hydroxyapatite",
volume = "14",
number = "1",
pages = "18",
doi = "10.3390/polym14010018"
}
