Preparation of a photocured GelMA hydrogel co-cultured with HOKs and HGFs for an artificial oral mucosal tissue model

Reversible or irreversible damage causes oral mucosal defects, the treatment of which requires biomaterials with good biomechanical properties. In this study, we prepared an artificial oral mucosa tissue model using a photocured methacrylate gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel co-cultured with human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and human oral keratinocytes (HOKs). GelMA was fabricated via a chemical reaction between gelatin and methacrylic anhydride (MA), and its structure was confirmed via 1H NMR analysis. The culture of HOKs and HGFs was observed on the surface and in the bulk of the GelMA hydrogel, indicating that the hydrogel was biocompatible for cell adhesion and proliferation. In addition, immunofluorescent staining results indicated that HOKs form a three-dimensional cell structure while maintaining their intrinsic keratinocyte properties. Histological evaluations demonstrated that the HGF and HOK bi-layered GelMA hydrogel can be used to develop artificial oral mucosa tissue.