Abstract
The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize a small intestine submucosa (SIS) hydrogel as a bio-scaffold. In this study, SIS from five calves, aged 8-12 months and weighing 250-300 kg, was obtained from a slaughterhouse immediately after slaughtering. The SIS was then decellularized, powdered, and subsequently transformed into a hydrogel. This transformation was achieved by dissolving the decellularized SIS powder in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at a concentration of 50% w/v, and allowing it to form a hydrogel over a 12-hour period at 37 °C. Characterization of the SIS hydrogel was conducted using various techniques. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to identify the chemical structure of the hydrogel, revealing three primary peaks at 1639 cm-1, 1571 cm-1, and 1338 cm-1, corresponding to amide I, II, and III bands, respectively. Additionally, a broad signal at 3440 cm-1 was observed, indicative of the hydroxyproline side chain. The hydrogel's swelling capacity was evaluated, showing an expansion of 437% after a 12-hour immersion in PBS at a pH of 7.4. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis of the lyophilized hydrogel revealed a highly porous and interconnected architecture, resembling a honeycomb structure. Moreover, the hydrogel's antibacterial efficacy was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus using an agar diffusion test, which demonstrated a zone of inhibition measuring 16.11 mm. The combined chemical, morphological, and antibacterial properties of the SIS hydrogel developed in this study suggest its potential as a promising bio-scaffold for inducing tissue regeneration and restoring tissue function.
Publisher
Baghdad University College of Veterinary Medicine