3D Spongin-Based Scaffolds from Marine Demosponge Haliclona sp. for Biomedical Engineering Approaches Based on Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Spongin is a versatile organic protein derived from marine sponges, similar to collagen. It has high elasticity after hydration and is used in biosensors, biomimetics, catalysts, and tissue engineering due to its resilience to heat, acid, and enzymes. This study aimed to design a more effective composite scaffold containing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and spongin for therapeutic uses.

Isolated MSCs from the rat were seeded in a spongin-based scaffold. The scaffold was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The morphology, attachment capability, and proliferation of MSCs were examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining and a light microscope.

SEM analysis showed filament diameters between 5 and 100 µm, and XRD patterns confirmed their amorphous structure. MSCs grew better on the spongin scaffold coated with gelatin, and the highest peak observed was around ~ 20.5 = 2Ɵ based on the Miller index (hkl).

These cells spread and attached along spongin fibers time-dependently, indicating their intact proliferative and migration capability. It is concluded that spongin may be an excellent renewable biopolymer for cell therapy due to its unique 3D fibrous structure.