Architecture–Property Relationships in 3D-Printed G–PEG–CH Scaffolds: Effects of Pore Spacing and Deposition Strategy
Polymer Engineering and Science, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1002/pen.70933
- Dergi Adı: Polymer Engineering and Science
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, INSPEC, Engineering Source (EBSCO), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: 3D bioprinting, architecture–property relationship, gelatin–PEG–chitosan hydrogel, pore design, scaffold porosity, skin tissue engineering
- Marmara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Gelatin-based hybrid hydrogels have emerged as versatile scaffolds for biomedical applications, yet their functional performance depends heavily on rational architectural design rather than material formulation alone. In this study, a gelatin–PEG–chitosan (G–PEG–CH) hybrid hydrogel was processed via low-temperature 3D bioplotting to systematically investigate the role of scaffold architecture on structural, mechanical, physicochemical, and biological properties. The work was conducted in two stages: first, four configurations with increasing pore spacing (Void_0–Void_3) were evaluated to identify an optimal balance between mechanical integrity, swelling behavior, and degradation stability; second, the selected pore spacing (~1.0 mm) was tested using two different filament deposition strategies (octagonal and isogonal) to verify architectural robustness. Compression tests revealed a strain-dependent mechanical behavior, where an intermediate pore spacing (Void_1) provided the most favorable balance between low-strain stiffness, energy absorption, and deformation tolerance. Physicochemical analyses confirmed high swelling capacity (~577%) and controlled degradation, while in vitro assays demonstrated favorable short-term cytocompatibility and cell adhesion. Variations in filament deposition strategy did not significantly alter overall cell viability, suggesting that, at the selected pore spacing, deposition orientation had a comparatively limited effect on short-term cell viability. Overall, this study highlights scaffold architecture as a critical design parameter for G–PEG–CH hydrogels and provides a structured framework for optimizing 3D-printed constructs for soft-tissue and wound-related applications.