Methacrylation increase growth and differentiation of primary human osteoblasts for gelatin hydrogels

The role of gelatin methacrylate hydrogels with varying degree of methacrylation (69% and 84%) was accessed with FTIR, NMR, microCT and subsequently exposure to human osteoblasts. The cells responded positively to the degree of methacrylation and showed attachment, growth and proliferated on both hydrogels. The cell reacted differently to the degree of methacrylation with higher proliferation on higher substitution; however, cell differentiation behavior was improved for less substitution. The secretion of late osteogenic markers (Osteoprotegerin (OPG), Osteopontin (OPN) and Osteocalcein (OCN)) and angiogenic factor Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was increased for gelatin methacrylate hydrogels with 69% degree of methacrylation and thus would be the better candidate for future bone regenerative applications amongst the three tested hydrogels