# Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Cassava Starch-Based Scaffold Biofunctionalized with Decellularized Extracellular Matrix and Isosorbide Dinitrate

## TL;DR

A new wound healing scaffold made from cassava starch, extracellular matrix, and isosorbide dinitrate was developed and shown to be biocompatible and effective in drug release.

## Contribution

A novel biofunctionalized scaffold combining cassava starch, decellularized ECM, and ISDN is proposed for wound healing.

## Key findings

- Scaffolds showed biphasic swelling and degradation behavior with high water absorption followed by controlled degradation.
- ISDN release followed a biphasic pattern and fit the Korsmeyer–Peppas model.
- The scaffold with 12.5% ECM and 40 mg ISDN showed optimal mechanical stability and biocompatibility with hemolysis below 2%.

## Abstract

This study aimed to synthesize and characterize cassava starch-based (S) scaffolds functionalized with decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) and isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) for wound healing. The scaffolds were synthesized via the casting method and evaluated for physicochemical, mechanical, and morphological properties, as well as ISDN release and hemocompatibility. Swelling and degradation tests revealed a biphasic behavior, with high water absorption followed by controlled degradation. The ISDN release followed a biphasic pattern, fitting the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. Hemolysis tests confirmed biocompatibility, with hemolysis levels below 2%. Among the formulations, the scaffold containing 12.5% ECM and 40 mg ISDN exhibited optimal mechanical stability, controlled drug release, and biocompatibility. These findings suggest that starch/ECM/ISDN scaffolds hold potential for wound healing applications. Further studies should focus on in vivo evaluation and cytotoxicity assessments to confirm their clinical applicability.