Freeze-drying prepared ready-to-use gelatin @polypropylene nonwoven hybrid sheet for stacking 3D cell culture

Abstract A novel free-standing gelatin-impregnated polypropylene nonwoven (gelatin @PP nonwoven hybrid sheet) was prepared by loading gelatin hydrogel on nonwoven fabric, followed by a freeze-drying procedure. Formation of gelatin in the gaps between the PP fibers significantly increased the pore ratio of the scaffolds. In addition, the freeze-drying prepared gelatin enabled fast liquid absorption and rapid swelling. The cell adhesion and cell proliferation assays showed that the gelatin @PP nonwoven hybrid is a ready-to-use substrate for cell-based assays. Cell immunoassay was conducted to measure the protein expression on cells which were cultured on gelatin @PP nonwoven hybrid sheet. In addition, the freeze-drying prepared gelatin @PP nonwoven hybrid sheet was applied for assembling multilayer stacking for 3D cell culture. The ready-to-use convenience of the gelatin @PP nonwoven hybrid was ensured, as the physicochemical properties (chemical group, pore ratio, and swelling rate) and cell compatibility were well preserved after 90 days of storage. Graphic abstract A novel free-standing gelatin-impregnated polypropylene nonwoven (gelatin @PP nonwoven hybrid) was prepared as a ready-to-use substrate for cell culture.