In Vitro Assessment of Borosilicate–PVA Hybrid Aerogels in HeLa Cells via MTT Assay and Time-Lapse Imaging

Abstract

This study investigates the biocompatibility of borosilicate–polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hybrid aerogels using HeLa cells as a model system. Five different formulations were tested through MTT assay and time-lapse imaging over 48 hours. The MTT results showed high cell viability across all samples, indicating no significant cytotoxicity. Time-lapse imaging provided additional insights into monolayer growth and the structural behavior of the aerogels in culture. Some aerogels degraded or shrank, while others remained stable, yet none adversely affected cell proliferation. These findings suggest that the tested aerogels are suitable candidates for further biomedical applications, particularly in drug delivery or tissue scaffolding.