Hydrogels (gels) are attractive tools for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to their potential for drug delivery and ECM-like composition. In this study, we use rheology to characterize GelMA/alginate gels loaded with human platelet lysate (PL). We then characterize these gels from a physicochemical perspective and evaluate their ability to transport PL proteins, their pore size, and their rate of degradation. Finally, their biocompatibility is evaluated. We describe how alginate changes the mechanical behavior of the gels from elastic to viscoelastic after ionic (calcium-mediated) crosslinking. In addition, we report the release of ~90% of PL proteins from the gels and relate it to the degradation profile of the gels. Finally, we evaluated the biocompatibility of the gels. Thus, the developed gels represent attractive substrates for both cell studies and as bioactive materials.
Keywords: GelMA; alginate; hydrogels; platelet lysate; regenerative medicine; tissue engineering.