Fabrication and in vitro insights of polyethylene oxide/locust bean gum enriched with ethanolic extract ginger-based 3D printed scaffold
摘要
Herein, this study unveils a novel ink blend merging polyethylene oxide (PEO) and locust bean gum (LBG) enriched with ethanolic extract of ginger (GR), revolutionizing the development of an essential network of 3D scaffold. The ink blend was diligently optimized through rheology (shear thinning behavior), printability, and layer fidelity analysis to fabricate a 3D scaffold via direct ink writing (DIW), followed by crosslinking to enhance mechanical stability. This study focused on the in vitro characterizations of the fabricated scaffold in terms of its biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and antimicrobial properties. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) portrays the interconnected porous structure due to crosslinking, confirmed via Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The interlinked pores offer promising hydrophilicity (water solubility ~ 400% in 24 h), yielding cell proliferation and attachment confirmed via water solubility tetrazolium salt assay. The degradation study in phosphate buffer solution revealed the controlled disintegration of the scaffold (~ 71% in 168 h), providing the sustained release of 6-gingerol (~ 77% in 168 h). The release compound exhibits a prolonged antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Thus, this study introduces a promising bioactive 3D network providing vital hydrophilicity, biological efficacy, and controlled drug delivery, offering a transformative approach for potential wound healing applications.