Yayu Chen

Master student

Bi-Layer scaffolds based on ADA–GEL hydrogels and PCL melt electrowritten structures for Soft Tissue Engineering

 

Supervisors: Sena Harmanci and Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini

Skin wounds remain a significant clinical challenge due to the risks of infection and poor tissue regeneration. To overcome these limitations, it is important to design and develop scaffolds that can mimic the hierarchical structure of natural skin. In this study, a multifunctional bi-layer scaffolds are designed by combining a bioactive alginate dialdehyde–gelatin (ADA–GEL) hydrogel [1] with a highly ordered Polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold fabricated via Melt Electrowriting (MEW) [2]. The integration of these components aims to enhance both the mechanical stability and biological properties of the scaffolds. The main goal is to develop a bi-layer system capable of promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, and tissue formation for improved wound healing. The scaffolds will be structurally and chemically characterized (SEM, FTIR, XRD), and drug release and bioactivity will be evaluated, followed by cell biology studies.

[1] Faina Bider, et al. “Enhancing alginate dialdehyde–gelatin (ADA–GEL) based hydrogels for biofabrication by addition of phytotherapeutics and mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs).” Journal of Biomaterials Applications, 2025, 39(6), 524–556. https://doi.org/10.1177/08853282241280768

[2] Ferdows Afghah, et al. “Microstructural Effects of Melt Electrowritten-Reinforced Hydrogel Scaffolds for Engineering Thick Skin Substitutes.” ACS Applied Bio Materials, 2025, 8, 2875–2887. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsabm.4c01541