Scaffolds for filling and regeneration of osteochondral defects are a current challenge in the biomaterials field, and solutions with greater functionality are still being sought. The novel approach of this work was to obtain scaffolds with biological active additives possessing microstructural, permeability and mechanical properties mimicking the complexity of natural cartilage. Four types of scaffolds with a gelatin/alginate matrix modified with hydroxyapatite were obtained, and the relationship between modifiers and substrate properties was evaluated. They differed in the type of second modifier used, which was hydrated MgCl2 in two proportions, ZnO, and nanohydroxyapatite. The samples were obtained by freeze-drying using two-stage freezing. Based on microstructural observations combined with X-ray microanalysis, the microstructure of the samples and the elemental content were assessed. Permeability and mechanical tests were also performed. The scaffolds exhibited a network of interconnected pores and complex microarchitecture, with lower porosity at the surface (15±7 to 29±6%) and higher at the center (67±8 to 75±8%). The additives had varying effects on the pore size and permeability of the samples. ZnO yielded the most permeable scaffolds (5.92×10-11 m2), whereas nanohydroxyapatite yielded the scaffold with the lowest permeability (1.18×10-11 m2), values within the range reported for trabecular bone. The magnesium content had no statistically significant effect on the permeability. The best mechanical parameters were obtained for ZnO samples and those containing hydrated MgCl2. The scaffolds properties meet the criteria for filling osteochondral defects. The developed scaffolds follow a biomimetic approach in terms of hierarchical microarchitecture and mechanical parameters, as well as the chemical composition. The obtained composite materials have potential as biomimetic scaffolds for regeneration of osteochondral defects.