Physical–Chemical Characterisation and Cytotoxicity Study of Hydrogel-Based Composite Polyvinyl Alcohol, Gelatine and Human Amniotic Membrane Scaffold for Cardiac Patch Tissue Engineering

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the primary cause of heart failure in children, demanding effective treatments to restore myocardial function due to the heart’s limited regenerating ability. This research examined the potential of composite scaffolds using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gelatine (Gel) and decellularised human amniotic membrane (dehAM). Scaffolds were fabricated from PVA–Gel and PVA–dehAM with a 7:3 ratio and characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, rheological analysis, tensile and compressive strength assessments, swelling and degradation evaluations, and an MTS cell viability assay. PVA–dehAM demonstrated great physicomechanical and biological performances among the scaffolds, including a balanced storage and loss modulus in rheological assessments, stable swelling ratios for hydration and mechanical stability, and consistent cell viability over 24 h without significant decline. Additionally, the degradation profile of the scaffold also suggested its appropriateness for in vivo applications as a cardiac patch. Although neither scaffold could mimic the mechanical strength of cardiac tissue, PVA–dehAM showed potential as a cardiac patch for the treatment of CHD. This study shows the promise of PVA–dehAM hydrogels as novel biomaterials in paediatric cardiac tissue engineering, addressing gaps in CHD treatment through improved scaffold design.