DEVELOPMENT OF OTOLITHS-INCORPORATED SODIUM ALGINATE AND GELATIN-BASED 3D SCAFFOLDS FOR BONE ENGENEERING APPLICATIONS

Objective. The goal of this study was to develop, characterize, and assess the cytocompatibility of otoliths-incorporated sodium alginate and gelatin scaffolds. Study design. Cynoscion acoupa derived otoliths, characterized by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (FRX), particle size, free lime, and fire loss were incorporated into scaffolds of sodium alginate (ALG/OTL-s) and gelatin (GEL/OTL-s), developed by a freeze-drying technique. Scaffolds were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), swelling tests, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cytotoxicity assays were performed using J774.G8 macrophages and MC3 T3-E1 osteoblasts. Results. TGA/DTG, DSC, FTIR, and SEM data suggested the proper interaction of the otoliths with the scaffolds. GEL/OTL-s swelling index (63.54 ± 3.0%) was greater than ALG/OTL-s (13.36 ± 9.9%; P .05) but significantly higher than the Triton-X-treated group (P .05). However, in 48 hours, growth indexes of control were similar to ALG/OTL-s (P> .05) but greater than GEL/OTL-s (P