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

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.