LAUSR

In the fields of biomedicine and tissue engineering, natural polymer-based tissue-engineered scaffolds are used in multiple applications. As a plant-derived polymer, soy protein, containing multiple amino acids, is structurally similar to components of the extra-cellular matrix (ECM) of tissues. Its biological safety provided a good potential to be material for pure natural scaffolds. Moreover, as a protein, the properties of soy protein can be easily adjusted by modifying the functional groups on it. In addition, by blending soy protein with other synthetic and natural polymers, the mechanical characteristics and bioactive behavior of scaffolds can be facilitated for a variety of bio-applications. In this research, we used soy protein and polysaccharides tapioca starch, and gellan gum to develop a protein-based composite scaffold for cell engineering. The morphology and surface chemical composition were characterized via micro-CT, SEM, and FTIR spectroscopy. The soy/tapioca/gellan gum (STG) composite scaffolds selectively helped the adhesion and proliferation of L929 fibroblast cells while improving the migration of L929 fibroblast cells in STG composite scaffolds as the increase of soy protein proportion of the scaffold. In addition, STG composite scaffolds showed great potential in the wound healing model to enhance rapid epithelialization and tissue granulation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.