Three-dimensional (3D) hydrogels provide tissue-like complexities and allow for the spatial orientation of cells, leading to more realistic cellular responses in pathophysiological environments. There is a growing interest in developing multifunctional hydrogels using ternary mixtures for biomedical applications. This study examined the biocompatibility and suitability of human auricular chondrocytes from microtia cultured onto steam-sterilized 3D Chitosan/Gelatin/Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) (CS/Gel/PVA) hydrogels as scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. Hydrogels were prepared in a polymer ratio (1:1:1) through freezing/thawing and freeze-drying and were sterilized by autoclaving. The macrostructure of the resulting hydrogels was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), showing a heterogeneous macroporous structure with a pore size between 50 and 500 μm. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed that the three polymers interacted through hydrogen bonding between the amino and hydroxyl moieties. The profile of amino acids present in the gelatin and the hydrogel was determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), suggesting that the majority of amino acids interacted during the formation of the hydrogel. The cytocompatibility, viability, cell growth and formation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins were evaluated to demonstrate the suitability and functionality of the 3D hydrogels for the culture of auricular chondrocytes. The cytocompatibility of the 3D hydrogels was confirmed using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, reaching 100% viability after 72 h. Chondrocyte viability showed a high affinity of chondrocytes for the hydrogel after 14 days, using the Live/Dead assay. The chondrocyte attachment onto the 3D hydrogels and the formation of an ECM were observed using SEM. Immunofluorescence confirmed the expression of elastin, aggrecan and type II collagen, three of the main components found in an elastic cartilage extracellular matrix. These results demonstrate the suitability and functionality of a CS/Gel/PVA hydrogel as a 3D support for the auricular chondrocytes culture, suggesting that these hydrogels are a potential biomaterial for cartilage tissue engineering applications, aimed at the regeneration of elastic cartilage.
Keywords: auricular chondrocytes culture; chitosan; composite hydrogel; gelatin; three-dimensional hydrogel; tissue engineering.