蛛丝蛋白复合材料小直径血管支架的

探讨蛛丝蛋白复合材料小直径血管支架的体内降解性能和生物相容性,为其临床应用奠定基础。通过静电纺丝仪,将RGD 重组蛛丝蛋白(pNSR16)、聚己内酯(PCL)、明胶(Gt)、壳聚糖(CS)共混形成的纺丝液进行电纺,制得(pNSR16/PCL/CS)/(pNSR16/PCL/Gt)支架,并将其植入SD大鼠腿部肌肉中,通过肉眼外观观察、组织切片HE染色评价等方法,评价蛛丝蛋白复合材料小直径血管支架的体内降解情况。分析支架浸提液对间充质干细胞集落形成、细胞分裂指数、台盼蓝拒染率、细胞毒性和细胞周期的影响,评价血管支架的生物相容性。血管支架在整个植入期内不断降解,(pNSR16/PCL/CS)/(pNSR16/PCL/Gt)支架降解程度更深,纤维断裂严重,12周时失重率为20.3%,其降解速度明显快于(PCL/CS)/(PCL/Gt)支架,后者在12周时仅降解了13.2%。在(pNSR16/PCL/CS)/(pNSR16/PCL/Gt)支架浸提液培养条件下的大鼠骨髓MSC集落生成率、平均集落面积和分裂指数都显著高于(PCL/CS)/(PCL/Gt)支架组。血管支架毒性等级均低于1 级,无细胞毒性。与血管支架浸提液复合培养的MSC生长状态良好,台盼蓝拒染率高于95%,复合培养48 h后,细胞G_0/1期比例降低,S、G₂/M期比例均升高。蛛丝蛋白复合材料小直径血管支架的体内降解和生物相容性良好,应用于临床具有一定的可行性。     

Improved mesenchymal stem cells attachment and in vitro cartilage tissue formation on chitosan-modified poly(L-lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone) scaffold

Considering the load-bearing physiological requirement of articular cartilage, scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering should exhibit appropriate mechanical responses as natural cartilage undergoing temporary deformation on loading with little structural collapse, and recovering to the original geometry on unloading. A porous elastomeric poly l-lactide-co-?-caprolactone (PLCL) was generated and crosslinked at the surface to chitosan to improve its wettability. Human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) attachment, morphological change, proliferation and in vitro cartilage tissue formation on the chitosan-modified PLCL scaffold were compared with the unmodified PLCL scaffold. Chitosan surface promoted more consistent and even distribution of the seeded MSC within the scaffold. MSC rapidly adopted a distinct spread-up morphology on attachment on the chitosan-modified PLCL scaffold with the formation of F-actin stress fiber which proceeded to cell aggregation; an event much delayed in the unmodified PLCL. Enhanced cartilage formation on the chitosan-modified PLCL was shown by real-time PCR analysis, histological and immunochemistry staining and biochemical assays of the cartilage extracellular matrix components. The Young's modulus of the derived cartilage tissues on the chitosan-modified PLCL scaffold was significantly increased and doubled that of the unmodified PLCL. Our results show that chitosan modification of the PLCL scaffold improved the cell compatibility of the PLCL scaffold without significant alteration of the physical elastomeric properties of PLCL and resulted in the formation of cartilage tissue of better quality.     

新型纳米纤维支架的细胞生物相容性

背景：高孔隙率聚己内酯纳米纤维支架具有适合血管平滑肌细胞黏附、增殖的多级孔径结构,具有良好的细胞生物相容性。 目的：探讨高孔隙率聚己内酯静电纺丝纳米纤维支架的细胞相容性。 方法：根据支架的制作工艺不同分为传统支架组、新型纳米纤维支架组两组,另设单纯细胞组为对照组。采用组织块贴壁法体外原代培养兔主动脉平滑肌细胞并进行传代,用3~6代细胞作为实验用种子细胞。应用WST-1法测定平滑肌细胞黏附率、增殖力,光镜及扫描电镜观察细胞形态,评估支架的细胞生物相容性。 结果与结论：高孔隙率聚己内酯纳米纤维支架对细胞形态无明显影响,新型支架上的种子细胞黏附、增殖及代谢活性情况较传统支架好。提示,高孔隙率聚己内酯静电纺丝纳米纤维支架具有较高的细胞相容性。     

Fabrication and characterization of chitosan/OGP coated porous poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffold for bone tissue engineering

As one of the stimulators on bone formation, osteogenic growth peptide (OGP) improves both proliferation and differentiation of the bone cells in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this work was the preparation of three dimensional porous poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffold with high porosity, well interpore connectivity, and then its surface was modified by using chitosan (CS)/OGP coating for application in bone regeneration. In present study, the properties of porous PCL and CS/OGP coated PCL scaffold, including the microstructure, water absorption, porosity, hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility in vitro were investigated. Results showed that the PCL and CS/OGP-PCL scaffold with an interconnected network structure have a porosity of more than 91.5, 80.8%, respectively. The CS/OGP-PCL scaffold exhibited better hydrophilicity and mechanical properties than that of uncoated PCL scaffold. Moreover, the results of cell culture test showed that CS/OGP coating could stimulate the proliferation and growth of osteoblast cells on CS/OGP-PCL scaffold. These finding suggested that the surface modification could be a effective method on enhancing cell adhesion to synthetic polymer-based scaffolds in tissue engineering application and the developed porous CS/OGP-PCL scaffold should be considered as alternative biomaterials for bone regeneration.     

Rat osteoblast functions on the o-carboxymethyl chitosan-modified poly(D,L-lactic acid) surface

In this study, the functions of rat osteoblasts on o-carboxymethyl chitosan-modified poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) films were investigated in vitro. The surface characterization was measured by contact angle and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). Cell adhesion and proliferation were used to assess cell behavior on the modified surface and control. The MTT assay was used to determined cell viability and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was performed to evaluate differentiated cell function. Compared to the control films, cell adhesion of osteoblasts on o-carboxymethyl chitosan-modified PDLLA films was significantly higher (p < 0.05) after 6 and 8 h culture, and osteoblast proliferation was also significantly higher (p < 0.01) between 4 and 7 days. The MTT assay suggested cell viability of osteoblasts cultured on o-carboxymethyl chitosan modified PDLLA films was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than that seeded on control one, and the ALP activity of cells cultured on modified PDLLA films was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than that found on control. These results give the first evidence that o-carboxymethyl chitosan could be used to modify PDLLA surface for improving biocompatibility.     

A hybrid electrospun PU/PCL scaffold satisfied the requirements of blood vessel prosthesis in terms of mechanical properties,pore size,and biocompatibility

In this study, a novel hybrid polyurethane/polycaprolactone (PU/PCL) tubular scaffold was fabricated using the electrospinning process for blood vessel prosthesis applications. The detailed microstructure and material properties such as porosity, tensile and bust strength, contact angle, and biocompatibility were investigated and compared with those of monolithic PU and PCL scaffolds. The mechanical properties of the hybrid PU/PCL scaffold (tensile strength: 18?MPa, pressure strength: 590?mmHg) were found to be within the range needed for artificial blood vessel applications. The pore sizes of the PU/PCL scaffold ranged from 5–150?um in diameter, are sufficient enough to allow nutrient diffusion across the membrane. The reduced hydrophobic property of the PU/PCL scaffold was the result of the addition of relatively less hydrophobic PU compared with monolithic PCL scaffold. The biocompatibility of the PU/PCL scaffold was evaluated through cytotoxicity testing, and morphological observation by scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy using cow pulmonary artery endothelial cells and fibroblast like cells (L929).     

Poly-epsilon-caprolactone/hydroxyapatite composites for bone regeneration: in vitro characterization and human osteoblast response

Polycaprolactone (PCL), a semicrystalline linear resorbable aliphatic polyester, is a good candidate as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering, due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, the poor mechanical properties of PCL impair its use as scaffold for hard tissue regeneration, unless mechanical reinforcement is provided. To enhance mechanical properties and promote osteoconductivity, hydroxyapatite (HA) particles were added to the PCL matrix: three PCL-based composites with different volume ratio of HA (13%, 20%, and 32%) were studied. Mechanical properties and structure were analysed, along with biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. The addition of HA particles (in particular in the range of 20% and 32%) led to a significant improvement in mechanical performance (e.g., elastic modulus) of scaffold. Saos-2 cells and osteoblasts from human trabecular bone (hOB) retrieved during total hip replacement surgery were seeded onto 3D PCL samples for 1-4 weeks. Following the assessment of cell viability, proliferation, morphology, and ALP release, HA-loaded PCL was found to improve osteoconduction compared to the PCL alone. The results indicated that PCL represents a potential candidate as an efficient substrate for bone substitution through an accurate balance between structural/ mechanical properties of polymer and biological activities.     

Surface modification of poly (D,L-lactic acid) with chitosan and its effects on the culture of osteoblasts in vitro

Chitosan is a good biodegradable natural polymer, widely used in biomedical fields. In this study, chitosan was used to modify the surface of poly (D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) in order to enhance its cell affinity. The properties of a modified PDLLA surface and control were investigated by contact angle and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), which indicated the changes in surface energy and chemical structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation displayed differences in surface morphology between the chitosan-modified film and the control. These data reflected that PDLLA films could be modified with chitosan and in turn may affect the biocompatibility of the modified films. Therefore, adhesion and growth of osteoblasts on modified PDLLA films as well as control were studied. Cell morphologies on the films were examined by SEM and cell viability was evaluated using an MTT assay; the differentiated cell function was assessed by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The ALP activity of modified PDLLA films was significantly higher than that found on the control (p < 0.01). The proliferation of osteoblasts on modified films was also found to be higher than that on the control (p < 0.05), suggesting that chitosan could be used to modify PDLLA and then enhance its cell biocompatibility.     

Rat osteoblast functions on the o-carboxymethyl chitosan-modified poly(D,L-lactic acid) surface

In this study, the functions of rat osteoblasts on o-carboxymethyl chitosan-modified poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) films were investigated in vitro. The surface characterization was measured by contact angle and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). Cell adhesion and proliferation were used to assess cell behavior on the modified surface and control. The MTT assay was used to determined cell viability and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was performed to evaluate differentiated cell function. Compared to the control films, cell adhesion of osteoblasts on o-carboxymethyl chitosan-modified PDLLA films was significantly higher (p < 0.05) after 6 and 8 h culture, and osteoblast proliferation was also significantly hlgher (p < 0.01) between 4 and 7 days. The MTT assay suggested cell viability of osteoblasts cultured on o-carboxymethyl chitosan modified PDLLA films was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than that seeded on control one, and the ALP activity of cells cultured on modified PDLLA films was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than that found on control. These results give the first evidence that o-carboxymethyl chitosan could be used to modify PDLLA surface for improving biocompatibility.     

Gradient nanofibrous chitosan/poly ɛ-caprolactone scaffolds as extracellular microenvironments for vascular tissue engineering

One of the major challenges of tissue-engineered small-diameter blood vessels is restenosis caused by thrombopoiesis. The goal of this study was to develop a 3D gradient heparinized nanofibrous scaffold, aiding endothelial cells lined on the lumen of blood vessel to prevent thrombosis. The vertical graded chitosan/poly ?-caprolactone (CS/PCL) nanofibrous vessel scaffolds were fabricated with chitosan and PCL by sequential quantity grading co-electrospinning. To mimic the natural blood vessel microenvironment, we used heparinization and immobilization of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the gradient CS/PCL. The quantity of heparinized chitosan nanofibers increased gradually from the tunica adventitia to the lumen surfaces in the gradient CS/PCL wall of tissue engineered vessel. More heparin reacted to chitosan nanofiber in gradient CS/PCL than in uniform CS/PCL nanofibrous scaffolds. Antithrombogenic properties of the scaffolds were enhanced by the heparinization of these scaffolds, as shown by activated partial thromboplastin time and platelet adhesion assay. Compared to the uniform CS/PCL scaffold, the release of VEGF from the gradient CS/PCL was more stable and sustained, and the burst release of VEGF was reduced approximately 42.5% within the initial 12 h. The adhesion and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were enhanced on the gradient CS/PCL scaffold. Furthermore, HUVEC grew and formed an entire monolayer on the top side of the gradient CS/PCL scaffold. Therefore, use of vertical gradient heparinized CS/PCL nanofibrous scaffolds could provide an approach to create small-diameter blood vessel grafts with innate properties of mammalian vessels of anticoagulation and rapid induction of re-endothelialization.     

壳聚糖支架与神经干细胞生物相容性的研究

为探讨壳聚糖多孔支架与神经干细胞(NSCs)的生物相容性,应用冷冻干燥技术制备壳聚糖多孔支架,将神经干细胞克隆球接种于壳聚糖支架载体上,分为NSCs+支架组和NSCs+支架+NGF组。培养2周后冰冻切片,行Nissl染色及微管相关蛋白-2(MAP-2)、胶质纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)和2,3-环核苷酸磷酸二酯酶(CNP)免疫组化染色来检测NSCs的分化,并进行MAP-2阳性细胞计数、胞体面积、细胞周长的图像处理和统计分析。结果显示:壳聚糖支架孔隙率为90%,支架孔径为50～350μm。NSCs可以在壳聚糖支架上存活、迁移并分化成神经元、星形胶质细胞和少突胶质细胞。NSCs+支架+NGF组的MAP-2阳性细胞数明显多于NSCs+支架组,且胞体较大,突起较多且长。上述结果提示,壳聚糖支架与NSCs具有良好的生物相容性,外源性的NGF能够促进壳聚糖支架中的NSCs向神经元分化。     

Embedded silica nanoparticles in poly(caprolactone) nanofibrous scaffolds enhanced osteogenic potential for bone tissue engineering

Poly(caprolactone) (PCL) has been frequently considered for bone tissue engineering because of its excellent biocompatibility. A drawback, however, of PCL is its inadequate mechanical strength for bone tissue engineering and its inadequate bioactivity to promote bone tissue regeneration from mesenchymal stem cells. To correct this deficiency, this work investigates the addition of nanoparticles of silica (nSiO(2)) to the scaffold to take advantage of the known bioactivity of silica as an osteogenic material and also to improve the mechanical properties through nanoscale reinforcement of the PCL fibers. The nanocomposite scaffolds and the pristine PCL scaffolds were evaluated physicochemically, mechanically, and biologically in the presence of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The results indicated that, when the nanoparticles of size approximately 10?nm (concentrations of 0.5% and 1% w/v) were embedded within, or attached to, the PCL nanofibers, there was a substantial increase in scaffold strength, protein adsorption, and osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. These nSiO(2) nanoparticles, when directly added to the cells evidently pointed to ingestion of these particles by the cells followed by cell death. The polymer nanofibers appeared to protect the cells by preventing ingestion of the silica nanoparticles, while at the same time adequately exposing them on fiber surfaces for their desired bioactivity.     

Electrospun nanofibers of poly(ε-caprolactone)/depolymerized chitosan for respiratory tissue engineering applications

Synthetic grafts comprised of a porous scaffold in the size and shape of the natural tracheobronchial tree, and autologous stem cells have shown promise in the ability to restore the structure and function of a severely damaged airway system. For this specific application, the selected scaffold material should be biocompatible, elicit limited cytotoxicity, and exhibit sufficient mechanical properties. In this research, we developed composite nanofibers of polycaprolactone (PCL) and depolymerized chitosan using the electrospinning technique and assessed the properties of the fibers for its potential use as a scaffold for regenerating tracheal tissue. Water-soluble depolymerized chitosan solution was first prepared and mixed with polycaprolactone solution making it suitable for electrospinning. Morphology and chemical structure analysis were performed to confirm the structure and composition of the fibers. Mechanical testing of nanofibers demonstrated both elastic and ductile properties depending on the ratio of PCL to chitosan. To assess biological potential, porcine tracheobronchial epithelial (PTBE) cells were seeded on the nanofibers with composition ratios of PCL/chitosan: 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, and 70/30. Transwell inserts were modified with the nanofiber membrane and cells were seeded according to air–liquid interface culture techniques that mimics the conditions found in the human airways. Lactase dehydrogenase assay was carried out at different time points to determine cytotoxicity levels within PTBE cell cultures on nanofibers. This study shows that PCL/chitosan nanofiber has sufficient structural integrity and serves as a potential candidate for tracheobronchial tissue engineering.     

Collagen/chitosan porous scaffolds with improved biostability for skin tissue engineering

Porous scaffolds for skin tissue engineering were fabricated by freeze-drying the mixture of collagen and chitosan solutions. Glutaraldehyde (GA) was used to treat the scaffolds to improve their biostability. Confocal laser scanning microscopy observation confirmed the even distribution of these two constituent materials in the scaffold. The GA concentrations have a slight effect on the cross-section morphology and the swelling ratios of the cross-linked scaffolds. The collagenase digestion test proved that the presence of chitosan can obviously improve the biostability of the collagen/chitosan scaffold under the GA treatment, where chitosan might function as a cross-linking bridge. A detail investigation found that a steady increase of the biostability of the collagen/chitosan scaffold was achieved when GA concentration was lower than 0.1%, then was less influenced at a still higher GA concentration up to 0.25%. In vitro culture of human dermal fibroblasts proved that the GA-treated scaffold could retain the original good cytocompatibility of collagen to effectively accelerate cell infiltration and proliferation. In vivo animal tests further revealed that the scaffold could sufficiently support and accelerate the fibroblasts infiltration from the surrounding tissue. Immunohistochemistry analysis of the scaffold embedded for 28 days indicated that the biodegradation of the 0.25% GA-treated scaffold is a long-term process. All these results suggest that collagen/chitosan scaffold cross-linked by GA is a potential candidate for dermal equivalent with enhanced biostability and good biocompatibility.     

Preparation and characterization of nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan composite scaffolds

A novel nano-hydroxyapatite (HA)/chitosan composite scaffold with high porosity was developed. The nano-HA particles were made in situ through a chemical method and dispersed well on the porous scaffold. They bound to the chitosan scaffolds very well. This method prevents the migration of nano-HA particles into surrounding tissues to a certain extent. The morphologies, components, and biocompatibility of the composite scaffolds were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy, porosity measurement, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy were used to analyze the physical and chemical properties of the composite scaffolds. The biocompatibility was assessed by examining the proliferation and morphology of MC 3T3-E1 cells seeded on the scaffolds. The composite scaffolds showed better biocompatibility than pure chitosan scaffolds. The results suggest that the newly developed nano-HA/chitosan composite scaffolds may serve as a good three-dimensional substrate for cell attachment and migration in bone tissue engineering.     

A multilayered scaffold of a chitosan and gelatin hydrogel supported by a PCL core for cardiac tissue engineering

A three-dimensional scaffold composed of self-assembled polycaprolactone (PCL) sandwiched in a gelatin–chitosan hydrogel was developed for use as a biodegradable patch with a potential for surgical reconstruction of congenital heart defects. The PCL core provides surgical handling, suturability and high initial tensile strength, while the gelatin–chitosan scaffold allows for cell attachment, with pore size and mechanical properties conducive to cardiomyocyte migration and function. The ultimate tensile stress of the PCL core, made from blends of 10, 46 and 80 kDa (Mn) PCL, was controllable in the range of 2–4 MPa, with lower average molecular weight PCL blends correlating with lower tensile stress. Blends with lower molecular weight PCL also had faster degradation (controllable from 0% to 7% weight loss in saline over 30 days) and larger pores. PCL scaffolds supporting a gelatin–chitosan emulsion gel showed no significant alteration in tensile stress, strain or tensile modulus. However, the compressive modulus of the composite tissue was similar to that of native tissue (～15 kPa for 50% gelatin and 50% chitosan). Electron microscopy revealed that the gelatin–chitosan gel had a three-dimensional porous structure, with a mean pore diameter of ～80 μm, showed migration of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM), maintained NRVM viability for over 7 days, and resulted in spontaneously beating scaffolds. This multi-layered scaffold has sufficient tensile strength and surgical handling for use as a cardiac patch, while allowing migration or pre-loading of cardiac cells in a biomimetic environment to allow for eventual degradation of the patch and incorporation into native tissue.     

Three dimensional melt-deposition of polycaprolactone/bio-derived hydroxyapatite composite into scaffold for bone repair

In this study, three dimensional (3D) polycaprolactone/bio-derived hydroxyapatite (PCL/BHA) composite scaffolds were fabricated by using a melt-deposition system (MDS) for the applications in bone repair. PCL/BHA composites with BHA contents of 0, 10, 20, and 40% were successfully processed into 3D scaffolds by using MDS, while it was failed to fabricate PCL/BHA scaffold with BHA content of 60%. The scaffolds produced were demonstrated to possess the same structures as the predefined with highly uniform and completely interconnected pores. The compressive modulus and strength of the PCL/BHA scaffold increased from 27 to 56?MPa and from 1.9 to 4.5?MPa, respectively, as BHA content increased from 0 to 40%. The wettability of PCL/BHA composite scaffold was also improved with the increase of BHA content. Moreover, the PCL/BHA scaffolds fabricated by MDS showed satisfactory biocompatibility and were capable of being integrated with the surrounding host bone. This study shows the feasibility of fabricating 3D PCL/BHA composite scaffolds with favorable pore structures, mechanical properties, wettability and biocompatibility by using MDS and supports further research of developing novel PCL/BHA composite scaffolds with MDS for the applications in bone repair.     

In vitro biocompatibility assessment of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) films using L929 mouse fibroblasts

Biodegradable and biocompatible materials are the basis for tissue engineering. As an initial step for developing vascular grafts, the in vitro biocompatibility of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL), recently suggested for several clinical applications, was evaluated in this study using L929 mouse fibroblasts. Different cellular aspects were analyzed in order to know the cell viability during cell culture on PCL films: adhesion, proliferation, morphology, LDH release and mitochondrial function. Since topography and other surface characteristics of materials play an essential part in cell adhesion, PCL membranes with either smooth or rough surface were prepared, characterized and used to carry out cell cultures. During short culture times, PCL produced a significant stimulation of mitochondrial activity evaluated by reduction of the MTT reagent. The results provide evidences of good adhesion, growth, viability, morphology and mitochondrial activity of cells on PCL films. Therefore, it can be concluded that PCL is a suitable and biocompatible material as a scaffold for vascular graft development.     

Comparison of the properties of collagen–chitosan scaffolds after γ-ray irradiation and carbodiimide cross-linking

The property of collagen–chitosan porous scaffold varies according to cross-linking density and scaffold composition. This study was designed to compare the properties of collagen–chitosan porous scaffolds cross-linked with γ-irradiation and carbodiimide (CAR) for the first time. Eleven sets of collagen–chitosan scaffolds containing different concentrations of chitosan at a 5% increasing gradient were fabricated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was performed to confirm the success of cross-linking in the scaffolds. The scaffold morphology was evaluated under scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM revealed that chitosan was an indispensable material for the fabrication of γ-ray irradiation scaffold. The microstructure of γ-ray irradiation scaffold was less stable than those of alternative scaffolds. Based upon swelling ratio, porosity factor, and collagenase degradation, γ-ray irradiation scaffold was less stable than CAR and 25% proportion of chitosan scaffolds. Mechanical property determines the orientation in γ-irradiation and CAR scaffold. In vitro degradation test indicated that γ-irradiation and CAR cross-linking can elevate the scaffold biocompatibility. Compared with γ-ray irradiation, CAR cross-linked scaffold containing 25% chitosan can more significantly enhance the bio-stability and biocompatibility of collagen–chitosan scaffolds. CAR cross-linked scaffold may be the best choice for future tissue engineering.     

Cell viability of chitosan-containing semi-interpenetrated hydrogels based on PCL-PEG-PCL diacrylate macromer

Chitosan-modified biodegradable hydrogels were prepared by UV irradiation of solutions in mild aqueous acidic media of poly(caprolactone)-co-poly(ethylene glycol)-co-poly(caprolactone) diacrylate (PCL-PEG-PCL-DA) and chitosan. Hydrogels obtained were characterized using FT-IR, DSC, TGA and XPS. FT-IR, TGA and DSC revealed the semi-interpenetrating polymer network structure formed in the hydrogel. Though the water swelling degree of these chitosan-modified hydrogels was substantial in the range of 322-539%, it was found that fibroblasts could still attach, spread and grow on them; this is in contrast to the commonly investigated PEG-diacrylate hydrogel. The MTT assay demonstrated that cells could grow better on 3 or 6% chitosan-modified hydrogel than unmodified PCL-PEG-PCL-DA hydrogels or low-content (1%) chitosan-modified PCL-PEG-PCL-DA hydrogel. Increased chitosan content resulted in increased cell interaction and also decreased water swelling, both of which results in increased cell attachment and spread.