Fabrication of Snail Mucin-Silk Fibroin Hydrogel Scaffold for Guided Tissue Regeneration: A Zebrafish Fin Model Study

Background: Scaffolds play a pivotal role in guiding tissue regeneration by providing a suitable environment for cell growth, migration, and differentiation. Among various materials, biopolymers such as silk fibroin and snail mucin have garnered attention due to their biocompatibility, natural origin, and potential to promote cellular activities. Objectives: In this study, we explore the fabrication of a novel Snail Mucin-Silk Fibroin hydrogel scaffold designed to enhance tissue regeneration. Materials and Methods: The hydrogel scaffold has been prepared by mixing 28% w/v gelatin, 21% w/v PVA in distilled water and 10% HPMC, and heated to 40ºC followed by addition of a snail mucin and silk fibroin at a lower temperature and freeze dried at 4ºC for 12 hr. Results: The characterization tests showed the scaffold’s favourable biological properties and morphology, such as biocompatibility, hemocompatibility, ability to retain moisture, and promotion of cellular activities essential for tissue repair. Histopathological analysis showed that the snail mucin-silk fibroin hydrogel scaffold significantly enhanced fin regeneration compared to the control groups. Conclusion: Thus, the snail mucin hydrogel used in this study showed better soft tissue regeneration potential and hence be used for various applications in regenerative medicine.