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The paper presents the synthesis, the physico-chemical and the biological properties of novel hybrid materials prepared from photo-crosslinked gelatin/alginate-based hydrogels and silica particles exhibiting potential for the regeneration of bone tissue. Both alginate and gelatin were functionalized with methacrylate and methacrylamide moieties, respectively to render them photo-crosslinkable. Submicron silica particles of two sizes were dispersed within three types of polymeric sols including alginate, gelatin, and gelatin/alginate blends, which were subsequently photo-crosslinked. The swelling ratio, the gel fraction and the mechanical properties of the hybrid materials developed were examined and compared to these determined for reference hydrogel matrices. The in vitro cell culture studies have shown that the prepared materials exhibited biocompatibility as they supported both MEFs and MG-63 mitochondrial activity. Finally, the in vitro experiments performed under simulated body fluid conditions have revealed that due to inclusion of silica particles into the biopolymeric hydrogel matrices the mineralization was successfully induced.

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Novel multifunctional biomimetic injectable hybrid systems were synthesized. The physicochemical as well as biological in vitro and in vivo tests demonstrated that they are promising candidates for bone tissue regeneration. The hybrids are composed of a biopolymeric collagen/chitosan/hyaluronic acid matrix and amine group-functionalized silica particles decorated with apatite to which the alendronate molecules were coordinated. The components of these systems were integrated and stabilized by cross-linking with genipin, a compound of natural origin. They can be precisely injected into the diseased tissue in the form of a viscous sol or a partially cross-linked hydrogel, where they can serve as scaffolds for locally controlled bone tissue regeneration/remodeling by supporting the osteoblast formation/proliferation and maintaining the optimal osteoclast level. These materials lack systemic toxicity. They can be particularly useful for the repair of small osteoporotic bone defects.