Abstract
In this study, the effect of feed composition, degree of hydrophilicity, and internal morphology has been investigated for cell proliferation potential of the polyacrylamide/gelatin (PAm/G) semi‐interpenetrating polymeric network (semi‐IPNs). Polycaprolactone diacrylate was used to cross‐link polyacrylamide chains. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs demonstrate uniformly distributed porous structure with internal diameter in the range of 75–175 μm, dependent on matrix compositions. Water–air contact angle was found in the range of 49° ± 0.22 to 89° ± 0.14 (p < 0.02) suggesting varying degree of hydrophilicity of the hydrogel surface. In addition, protein adsorption study showed 45 ± 0.14 μg to 64 ± 0.12 μg (p < 0.01) of protein adsorbed per cm^2^ of hydrogel. Quantitative estimation of cell adhesion and proliferation was carried out by DNA quantification using fluorimetric assay method (p < 0.02). Microscopic images of proliferative cells on semi‐IPNs by fluorescent and inverted phase contrast supported the findings of DNA quantification. Contact angle in the range of 63–69° in association with 52–59 μg/cm^2^ protein absorption and 115–150 μm pore size was found optimum for fibroblast proliferation on PAm/G semi‐IPN scaffolds. The newly developed semi‐interpenetrating network may serve as a potential scaffold for soft tissue‐engineering applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.