The SEM images of CNC and CNC-MNP cryogel scaffolds made with two-step freezing (Figure ) show that the additional cryogelation step disrupted the elongated pore shapes observed in scaffolds made with N2(l) freezing alone. The cryogelation step introduced an aggregated network of CNCs, most likely caused by van de Waals forces and hydrogen bonding, which inhibited the redispersion of CNCs even after thawing . This network then became a template that disrupted ice crystal growth during the follow-up low-temperature freezing step. The resulting pores showed mixed characteristics of high and low-temperature freezing, with some degrees of elongation but overall less oriented pore patterns. When MNPs are involved, two-step freezing results in exposed fibers (Figure ), indicating destabilization of the CNC-MNP network between the two freezing steps.