Evaluation of crosslinked gelatin-polyvinylpyrrolidone scaffold for application in drug delivery and tissue engineering

Abstract

The objective of this study was to processand evaluatea suitablescaffold matrix system for drug delivery and tissue regeneration. Abioinspired approachwas applied.Thescaffold based onnatural polymer gelatin,blended with polyvinylpyrrolidone,and crosslinked by genipin,was 3D printed by semi-solid extrusion(SSE).This 3D printing techniquedoes not require high temperature or UV curing, so it allows the use ofthermo-and UV-sensitive drugs, cells, or other biological components.The influence of genipin, a natural crosslinking agent, and itscontent on the mechanical properties and the cytotoxicity of obtained scaffolds were investigated.