Abstract:
Cryogels are a unique macroporous material for tissue engineering. In this work, we
study the effect of hyaluronic acid on the physicochemical properties of cryogel as well as on the
proliferation of a 3D model of mesenchymal stem cells. The functional groups of the synthesized
cryogels were identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. With an increase in the
content of hyaluronic acid in the composition of the cryogel, an increase in porosity, gel content and
swelling behavior was observed. As the hyaluronic acid content increased, the average pore size
increased and more open pores were formed. Degradation studies have shown that all cryogels were
resistant to PBS solution for 8 weeks. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated no toxic effect on viability of
rat adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) cultured on cryogels. ADMSC spheroids
were proliferated on scaffolds and showed the ability of the cryogels to orient cell differentiation
into chondrogenic lineage even in the absence of inductive agents. Thus, our results demonstrate an
effective resemblance to extracellular matrix structures specific to cartilage-like microenvironments
by cryogels and their further perspective application as potential biomaterials.