A novel gelatin/montmorillonite-chitosan (Gel/MMT-CS) nanocomposite scaffold was prepared via the intercalation process and the freeze-drying technique, using the ice particulates as the porogen materials. Properties including pore structure, water adsorption content, in vitro degradation and tensile strength were investigated. It was demonstrated that the introduced intercalation structure endowed the Gel/MMT-CS scaffold with good mechanical properties and a controllable degradation rate. Scanning of the electron microscope images revealed that the scaffold obtained was highly 4 porous and suitable for the implanted cells to adhere and grow. The mitochondrial activity assay provided good evidences of cells viability on the Gel/MMT-CS membranes, giving an indication of possible application as a matrix for tissue engineering. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd.