Production and characterization of cryogel scaffolds added with naphtalan

Tissue engineering aims to produce functional tissues that can replace or regenerate lost or damaged tissues of patients. This discipline uses a variety of technologies for the reconstruction of biological tissue, the use of biomaterials, the manipulation of cell-tissue interactions, and the production of biological tissues or organs. Tissue engineering provides solutions for the treatment of organ and tissue damage, while also helping researchers understand the causes and mechanisms of diseases. Therefore, tissue engineering has an important place in both treatment and research. Cryogel scaffolds can be used for a variety of purposes in tissue engineering applications. For example, it can be used for tissue remodeling or drug release. Naftalan is an oil that comes from the territory of Azerbaijan. Its difference from all other types of oil is that its content is rich with cycloalkanes. Naftalan oil has disinfecting, analgesic, anti- inflammatory and wound healing effects. In this study, chitosan (CH)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Naphthalan oil (NO) added CH/PVA cryogel scaffolds suitable for use in tissue engineering applications were produced by cryogelation method. Naphthalan oil was added dropwise to the prepared CH/PVA solutions at 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% (w/w) of the total polymer concentration. In order for the naphthalan oil to be homogeneously dispersed, mixing was carried out at 450 rpm in a magnetic stirrer for 24 hours. The chemical structure of cryogel scaffolds was investigated by Fourier transform spectrometry (FT-IR). When the spectra were examined, peaks specific to Naftalan oil were observed in the NO added cryogel scaffolds. The surface morphologies of the scaffolds were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The pore diameters of the scaffolds range from 28.746±2.74 µm to 13.219±4.22 µm for oil-free and 100% NO added samples. In swelling studies, the highest swelling ratio was observed in the oil- free CH/PVA. The increase in the naphthalan oil ratio decreased the swelling and degradation rate. The lowest swelling and degradation rate was observed in the 100% NO doped cryogel scaffold. When the mechanical performance of the scaffolds was examined, it was concluded that the mechanical strength value varied between 49±8 and 88±12 kPa for the oil-free and 100% NO added samples. This thesis study aims the production of polymeric cryogel scaffolds combined with Naftalan oil and their properties that can be used in tissue engineering applications. This study demonstrates that biodegradable cryogels combined with Naftalan oil, known for its wound healing properties, can promote new tissue formation. As a result of the thesis study, it will both contribute to the literature and allow a new biomaterial to be produced and used.