Sustainable Seaweed-Derived Cellulose Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications: Biocompatibility and Structural Insights

The integration of sustainability into biomaterials design is critical for advancing tissue engineering. This study investigates the in vivo biocompatibility and regenerative potential of seaweed cellulose (SC) scaffolds derived from Ulva sp. and Cladophora sp. as extracellular matrix (ECM) analogs. SC scaffolds were fabricated using an optimized decellularization process, preserving the distinct porous ( Ulva ) and fibrous ( Cladophora ) architectures. Subcutaneous implantation in Sprague-Dawley rats demonstrated minimal foreign body response and successful integration over an eight-week period. Histological analysis revealed distinct tissue-healing dynamics driven by scaffold architecture: Ulva sp. scaffolds promoted compartmentalized healing, characterized by distributed vascularized connective tissue, while Cladophora sp. scaffolds supported stratified tissue organization with aligned collagen deposition. Both scaffolds exhibited progressive vascularization and reduced foreign body response, with no adverse inflammatory reactions observed. These findings highlight the potential of SC scaffolds for regenerative applications requiring tailored tissue responses. The renewable, marine-derived origin of these scaffolds further underscores their role as sustainable biomaterials in advanced healthcare solutions.