LAUSR

Abstract The discovery of novel biodegradable biomaterials able to support and control cellular activity as well as development of an enhanced and efficient method for their fabrication, are of paramount importance in the field of tissue engineering. This study highlights the design of novel degradable hydrogels based on gelatin and hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylates using the innovative combined two-step sequential microwave-assisted and UV photo-polymerization technique. Chemical composition, morphology, swelling capacity and degradation rate of the synthesized hydrogels were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), swelling and weight loss measurements. As an initial step for evaluation of performance of the hydrogels in the biological environment, the in vitro biocompatibility of these hydrogels, was evaluated using L929 mouse fibroblasts. Obtained results demonstrated that the hydrogels possess a porous morphology with interconnected pores, 50% in vitro degradation after 7 months, and satisfied biocompatibility on L929 fibroblast cells. These unique performances of the hydrogels make them promising candidates for in vivo evaluation in clinical studies aiming at tissue regeneration.