Mineralization and antibacterial potential of bioactive cryogel scaffolds in vitro

Cryogels are unique tissue-engineered constructs possessing a macroporous, sponge-like, and mechanically durable structure. Chitosa`n-gelatin cryogels have previously been incorporated with hydroxyapatite, as well as antibacterial Manuka honey. In this study, cryogels were incorporated with both additives simultaneously to assess the mineralization and antibacterial potential, in vitro. The cryogels were characterized to determine both the effect on their spongy, macroporous structure and the retention for bacterial clearance, mineralization, and stem cell differentiation. Initial testing found that 2.5% of both additives possessed the best combination of these characteristics, supporting their use as a bioactive template for bone regeneration. [GRAPHICS] .