Production and characterization of a three-dimensional scaffold based on chitin and biosilica for use in biotechnological applications

Biopolymeric materials have been widely used in the field of biotechnology in recent years. Although the use of synthetic polymers is generally easier and more cost-effective, the need for natural biopolymers arises due to their lower biocompatibility and biodegradability. Consequently, researchers focusing on tissue engineering, filter membrane materials have turned their attention to designing new biocomposite materials using natural biomaterials. In our planned study, we aimed to produce scaffolds with high swelling and adsorption capabilities using natural biomaterials for bone and cartilage tissue engineering and heavy metal removal. In the initial phase, the usage ratio of biogenic silica fibers isolated from the marine sponge Geodia macandrewii within the scaffold was determined, and their potential for use in tissue engineering was examined. In the second phase, a two-phase hydrogel scaffold, incorporating natural biogenic silica fibers and carboxymethyl chitosan, was produced through freeze-drying. The chemical composition (FTIR), surface morphology (SEM) of the produced scaffolds were investigated. After material characterization, the biocompatibility analyses of sterilized scaffolds were completed through measurements of viability, proliferation, ALP activity, and GAG content. Nanofibers of β-chitin were produced from the hair-like setae structures of Aphrodita aculeata, commonly known as sea mice, within the Annelida Phylum. These nanofibers were incorporated into a composite hydrogel scaffold with CMCht polymer. Physicochemical characterizations of the obtained scaffolds were performed, and studies on heavy metal removal were conducted. Copper removal studies for the CMCht-based hydrogel scaffold reinforced with β-chitin nanofibers were carried out using atomic absorption spectroscopy, revealing a maximum adsorption capacity of approximately 28% (2 h, 100 ppm). This study demonstrated that the hydrogel scaffold could be an alternative, effective, reusable, innovative, and environmentally friendly filtering product for Cu (II) removal. In conclusion, it is anticipated that naturally derived biomaterials are applicable in biotechnological fields and that further exploration in various applications will be promising for future studies.