The Effect of Alginate/Hyaluronic Acid Proportion on Semi-Interpenetrating Hydrogel Properties for Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Gorronogoitia I, Olza S, et al.

Polymers

Leartiker S. Coop., University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), E2S UPPA, IPREM, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, CNRS

France, Spain

RESEARCH SUMMARY

This study investigated semi-interpenetrating (semi-IPN) hydrogels composed of alginate and hyaluronic acid (HA) with varying polymer ratios to optimize mechanical and biological performance for articular cartilage repair. Hydrogels were developed using alginate crosslinked with CaCl₂ while HA remained uncrosslinked. Increasing alginate content improved stiffness, whereas HA addition enhanced biocompatibility and printability by increasing viscosity. The hybrid hydrogels supported fibroblast adhesion and viability, exhibited non-cytotoxic behavior, and were compatible with 3D bioprinting, showing viscosity ranges (1–80 Pa·s) suitable for extrusion-based fabrication.

Mechanical testing of alginate and Alg/HA semi-IPN hydrogels was conducted using a CellScale UniVert mechanical tester (10 N load cell, Waterloo, ON, Canada). Samples (5–6 mm diameter, 2–4 mm height) underwent unconfined compression up to 40% strain at 25% strain min⁻¹ in air (room temperature) and PBS at 37 °C. Tangent modulus at 10% strain was determined, showing moduli between 3–16 kPa. UniVert testing verified that increased alginate concentration enhanced stiffness, while HA reduced crosslinking density due to ionic competition, tuning the hydrogel’s mechanical properties.

AUTHORS

Izar Gorroñogoitia; Sheila Olza; Ana Alonso-Varona; Ane Miren Zaldua.

PUBLICATION DETAILS

JOURNAL

Polymers

YEAR

2025

INSTITUTIONS

Leartiker S. Coop., University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), E2S UPPA, IPREM, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, CNRS

COUNTRIES

France, Spain

INSTRUMENT USED

UniVert

TESTING METHODS

Compression TestingHydrated and Temperature Controlled TestingViscoelastic & Time-Dependent Testing

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

3D Bioprinting & Bioink Materials TestingCartilage and Meniscus MechanicsCell Laden HydrogelsECM & Decellularized Matrix MechanicsHydrogel Mechanical TestingInjectable & Regenerative BiomaterialsStem Cell Mechanobiology

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