PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATION

2024

Mechanical and Biological Characterization of Ionic and Photo‑Crosslinking Effects on Gelatin‑Based Hydrogel for Cartilage Tissue Engineering Applications

Boretti G, Baldursson HE, et al.

Polymers

Reykjavik University, University of Iceland, University of Gothenburg, Landspitali - National University Hospital of Iceland

Iceland, Sweden

RESEARCH SUMMARY

This study investigates how ionic crosslinking, photo-crosslinking, and dual crosslinking strategies influence the mechanical and biological performance of gelatin-based hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering. By systematically varying crosslinking methods, the authors demonstrate tunable compressive stiffness, structural stability, and cell compatibility in extrusion-bioprinted constructs. Mechanical properties were correlated with stem cell viability and morphology, highlighting the importance of crosslinking-controlled mechanics in optimizing gelatin bioinks for cartilage-like tissue regeneration.

Unconfined compression testing of gelatin-based hydrogel constructs was performed using a CellScale UniVert mechanical tester equipped with a low-capacity load cell. The CellScale system was used to generate stress–strain curves and calculate compressive modulus for freshly printed and incubated samples, enabling direct comparison of mechanical outcomes across different crosslinking strategies. These measurements provided quantitative validation of stiffness tuning critical for cartilage tissue engineering applications.

AUTHORS

Gabriele Boretti, Hafsteinn Esjar Baldursson, Luca Buonarrivo, Stina Simonsson, Sigurður Brynjólfsson, Paolo Gargiulo, Ólafur Eysteinn Sigurjónsson.

PUBLICATION DETAILS

JOURNAL

Polymers

YEAR

2024

INSTITUTIONS

Reykjavik University, University of Iceland, University of Gothenburg, Landspitali - National University Hospital of Iceland

COUNTRIES

Iceland, Sweden

INSTRUMENT USED

UniVert

TESTING METHODS

Compression Testing

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

3D Bioprinting & Bioink Materials TestingCartilage and Meniscus MechanicsCell Laden HydrogelsHydrogel Mechanical TestingStem Cell Mechanobiology

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