Binary Biocompatible CNC–Gelatine Hydrogel as 3D Scaffolds Suitable for Cell Culture Adhesion and Growth

Binary nano-biocomposite 3D scaffolds of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs)—gelatine were fabricated without using chemical crosslinking additives. Controlled oxidative treatment allowed introducing carboxyl or carbonyl functionalities on the surface CNCs responsible for gelatine polymers. The obtained composites characterized their physical-chemical properties. Their biocompatibility towards different cell cultures was evaluated through MTT and LDH assays, cellular adhesion proliferation experiments. Gelatine reinforced with carbonyl-modified showed most performing swelling/degradation profile promising properties lines, suggesting potential application in field tissue engineering.