Fabrication and Characterization of Gelatin/Chitosan/Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite Hydrogels Intended for Biomedical Applications

In the present study, gelatin/chitosan/zinc oxide hydrogels were prepared through solvent casting method in combination with lyophilization. In addition, the effects of adding 1.5 wt % zinc oxide nanoparticles on the microstructural and physico-chemical characteristics of genipin-crosslinked scaffolds were evaluated. The porosity of the newly formed hydrogels increased from about 93 up to 94 % (P < 0.05). Images taken by a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) illustrates the formation of a porous microstructure of distinct interconnected holes with an average size of 200 microns. Water absorption capacity of nanocomposite hydrogels at room temperature and 37 °C decreased from 1043 to 988 and 1206 to 1040 %, respectively; however, a significant increase in their initial swelling rate was observed. Upon adding nanoparticles, the in vitro degradation of scaffolds occurred faster than usual. According to the findings of this research, gelatin/chitosan/zinc oxide hydrogels which is characterized by favorable microstructural characteristics (i.e., uniform distribution of interconnected pores) and high initial swelling rate can be used as a potential substrate in the field of tissue engineering.