Genipin Cross-Linked Polyvinyl Alcohol-Gelatin Hydrogel for Bone Regeneration

Polyvinyl alcohol gelatin hydrogels were fabricated using genipin as a crosslinking agent for bone regeneration application. Optimized formulation of PVA-GE hydrogel was fabricated using genipin as crosslinking agent. Characterizations such as FTIR, morphology, porosity, pore size, degradation and swelling rate were investigated. Bone regeneration potential of optimized genipin cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol-gelatin (PVA20) hydrogels was assessed by implanting in rabbit’s femur defect for 1, 5 and 15 weeks period. Results showed interconnected porosity as observed in scanning electron microscopy and successful crosslinking as confirmed by FTIR analysis. Increased porosity (92% ± 2.46%) and pore size distribution (100 200 μm) were also observed as well as decrease in swelling rate (426% ± 10.50%). Bone formation was evident in micro-CT after 5 and 15 days of in vivo implantation period. Micro-CT analysis showed 32.67% increased bone formation of PVA-GE hydrogel defect compared with negative control after 15 weeks of in-vivo implantation. Histological analyses showed no inflammatory reaction post implantation and increase in cell matrix formation after 5 and 15 weeks. The combined physical and chemical method of crosslinking promises improved mechanical properties of PVA-GE hydrogel making it a potential scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications.