Synthesis and Characterization of Biocompatible Cryogels Based on Chitosan, Poly(ethylene glycol) Diacrylate, and Graphene with a Controlled Porous Structure

Abstract This work demonstrates the fabrication of multifunctional biocompatible scaffolds based on a chitosan-poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate system, using graphene as a structural and functional component. It is shown that graphene not only acts as a conductive additive but also serves as an active structural agent, determining the material's morphology and mechanical properties. Graphene flakes stabilized with the block copolymer Pluronic induce the formation of an interconnected macroporous structure with pore sizes of 30-40 µm during the cryogelation process. Simultaneously, graphene exhibits a pronounced reinforcing effect, increasing the scaffold strength up to 2.8 MPa.