Journal of Health Science and Medical Research (JHSMR) (Oct 2015)
Application of Proteoglycan from Oreochromis niloticus Cartilage in Silk fibroin/gelatin Scaffold for In vitro Wound Treatment
Abstract
Objective: To prepare silk fibroin/gelatin scaffold containing epidermal growth factor-like proteoglycan extracted from Oreochromis niloticus cartilage and characterize physical, chemical and biological properties of prepared scaffolds. Material and Methods: The physical properties of proteoglycan extracted from Oreochromis niloticus cartilage was characterized. Composite scaffold of silk fibroin and gelatin with different blend ratios, with and without proteoglycan, were prepared using a freeze drying technique. Physical, chemical and biological properties of these scaffolds were characterized and compared. Results: The proteoglycan extracted from Oreochromis niloticus cartilage had a solubility of approximately 0.86±0.12 g/100 mL at room temperature. The pH of proteoglycan solution was about 6.55±0.44. Freeze-dried silk fibroin/gelatin scaffolds with different blend ratios, with and without proteoglycan, were prepared. All prepared scaffolds showed porous structures with high pore interconnectivity. 25:73.75:1.25 blend ratio of silk fibroin/gelatin/proteoglycan scaffolds showed the largest pores. Results from FTIR assay indicated that proteoglycan was successfully prepared as silk fibroin/gelatin/proteoglycan scaffolds. Silk fibroin/gelatin scaffolds containing proteoglycan not only showed higher water swelling ability than silk fibroin/gelatin scaffolds without proteoglycan but also promoted significantly higher fibroblast cell proliferation rate than those without proteoglycan. Conclusion: Oreochromis niloticus cartilage contains proteoglycan which may be useful for promoting wound healing. This compound shows good solubility in water at room temperature and possesses neutral pH. It can be combined with silk fibroin and gelatin to form a scaffold which stimulates proliferation and growth of fibroblast cells. Blend ratio of 25:73.75:1.25, fibroin/gelatin/proteoglycan, is the most appropriate ratio for fabricating the scaffold for this application.
