PSI - Issue 52

Dita Puspitasari et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 52 (2024) 410–417 Author name / Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2019) 000 – 000

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hydrogel is larger than 60% (Nosrati et al. (2021) and (Annabi, et al. (2010)). Micro-CT analysis revealed a higher porosity when compared to SEM imaging, as the latter is limited to representing two-dimensional images. Thus, the scaffold fabricated in this research has actually met the minimum porosity value as proven by Micro-CT test. The average pore size of a scaffold is a crucial factor in cell penetration and proliferation. Interconnected open pores of the resulting hydrogels are also an important parameter for exchanging gas, waste, and nutrients for cells inside the scaffold. Porosity highly affects the biological and mechanical characteristics of a scaffold because plays a vital role in cell migration and proliferation (Nokorani et al. 2021)).

Table 2. Micro-CT test result

Sample

Interconnected Pore (%) Total Porosity (%)

10% 50S50P-05 87.83% 10% 75S25P-05 91.75%

87.87% 91.75%

3.3. Compression Test Mechanical properties are crucial because the scaffolds must have appropriate mechanical characteristics to avoid tearing while the wounds are in contact with each other throughout the healing process. Additionally, cell attachment and proliferation are impacted by mechanical traits like stiffness. The failure of the too-rigid or too-loose scaffold results from the inability to achieve good contact throughout the healing process (Nokoorani et al. (2021)).

Fig. 3. Compression test result diagram

Table 3. Compression test result

Sample

Load [N] Stress (MPa) Extension (mm) Strain (mm/mm)

10% 50S50P-05 10632.66 135.45

8.58 8.77

1.07

10% 75S25P-05 9765.64

124.66

1.1

The PVA, sericin, and MOL hydrogel were combined by intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonding, and increasing the content of PVA will enhance the function of the hydrogen bonding, therefore the mechanical properties were improved (Li et al. (2016)). Other than that, as seen from the microstructure in Figure 1, the three dimensional network skeleton or the interconnection of the hydrogel is thicker when the concentration of the PVA is higher means that the compression performance of the hydrogel increases. Table 3 shows that the compressive modulus of elasticity increases with increasing compressing ratio as the 10% 50S50P-05 hydrogel has larger stress value than the 10%75S25P-05. This happened because the 10%50S50P-05 hydrogel has lower interconnectivity and porosity value (Table 2) that affect the mechanical properties. When the load is applied, the polymeric chains of the hydrogel are reoriented with changed relative positions, while the water,