In vivo characterization of a luffa-based composite scaffold for subcutaneous implantation in rats

Abstract

Recent advancements in tissue engineering have witnessed luffa-derived scaffolds, exhibiting their exceptional potential in cellular proliferation, biocompatibility, appropriate interconnectivity, and biomechanical strength. In vivo studies involved implanting fabricated scaffolds subcutaneously in Wistar rats to evaluate their impact on the heart, liver, and kidneys. This approach provided a safe and minimally invasive means to evaluate scaffold compatibility with surrounding tissues. Male Wistar rats were categorized into four distinct groups, Group A, B, C, and D are referred to as 3% LC implanted scaffolds, 5% LC implanted scaffolds, control (without luffa scaffolds), and Sham (without any scaffold implantation), respectively. Histological analysis in all the groups indicated that the animal models did not exhibit any signs of inflammation or toxicity, suggesting favorable tissue response to the implanted scaffolds. Initial observations revealed elevated levels of enzymes and biomarkers in the experimental groups after a 24 h interval, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and serum creatinine. However, these parameters normalized 3 weeks post-implantation, with no significant increase compared to the control groups, suggesting that the implanted luffa-based scaffolds did not induce adverse effects on the heart, liver, and kidneys. Furthermore, the scaffold’s significant pore size and porosity enable it to release drugs, including antibacterial medications. This study demonstrates promising results, indicating excellent scaffold porosity, sustained drug release, affirming the in vivo biocompatibility, absence of inflammatory responses, and overall tissue compatibility highlighting the immense potential of these luffa-based scaffolds in various tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

Keywords:

• Luffa cylindrica
• gelatin
• scaffolds
• tissue engineering
• freeze-drying

Acknowledgments

The authors would also like to thank the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), the Government of India, Quality Improvement Programme (QIP), and Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University).

Ethical approval

The fabricated composite porous scaffolds were evaluated for biochemical analysis using a Wistar rat model. The research strictly followed the guidelines stipulated by the committee for control and supervision of experiments carried out on animals (CPCSEA). Ethical approval for the study was granted by the Central Animal Ethical Committee at the Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi, on March 3, 2022 (IAEC approval number: IIT(BHU)/IAEC/2022/071. For the investigation, adult Wistar rats weighing 150–230 g each were carefully selected and were acclimatized for a week under specific conditions. The environmental conditions were maintained at a natural light/dark cycle with a temperature maintained at 25 ± 2 °C and a humidity level of 55–60%. Additionally, an appropriate rodent pellet diet and water ad libitum were provided to ensure their well-being during the adaptation period.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.