Architecture–Property Relationships in 3D ‐Printed G– PEG – CH Scaffolds: Effects of Pore Spacing and Deposition Strategy

Gelatin‐based hybrid hydrogels have emerged as versatile scaffolds for biomedical applications, yet their functional performance depends heavily on rational architectural design rather than material formulation alone. In this study, a gelatin–PEG–chitosan (G–PEG–CH) hybrid hydrogel was processed via low‐temperature 3D bioplotting to systematically investigate the role of scaffold architecture on structural, mechanical, physicochemical, and biological properties. The work was conducted in two stages: first, four configurations with increasing pore spacing (Void_0–Void_3) were evaluated to identify an optimal balance between mechanical integrity, swelling behavior, and degradation stability; second, the selected pore spacing (~1.0 mm) was tested using two different filament deposition strategies (octagonal and isogonal) to verify architectural robustness. Compression tests revealed a strain‐dependent mechanical behavior, where an intermediate pore spacing (Void_1) provided the most favorable balance between low‐strain stiffness, energy absorption, and deformation tolerance. Physicochemical analyses confirmed high swelling capacity (~577%) and controlled degradation, while in vitro assays demonstrated favorable short‐term cytocompatibility and cell adhesion. Variations in filament deposition strategy did not significantly alter overall cell viability, suggesting that, at the selected pore spacing, deposition orientation had a comparatively limited effect on short‐term cell viability. Overall, this study highlights scaffold architecture as a critical design parameter for G–PEG–CH hydrogels and provides a structured framework for optimizing 3D‐printed constructs for soft‐tissue and wound‐related applications.