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Photocrosslinkable polysaccharides based on chondroitin sulfate
Qiang Li1, Christopher G Williams, Danny D N Sun
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street/Clark Hall 106, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA. jhe@bme.jhu.edu
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A
|December 9, 2003
Summary
Researchers developed new photopolymerizing hydrogels from chondroitin sulfate for tissue engineering. These bioactive scaffolds support chondrocyte viability, showing promise for cartilage regeneration applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Photopolymerizing hydrogels are widely used as scaffolds in tissue engineering.
- Current hydrogels primarily utilize synthetic polymers, potentially limiting bioactivity.
- Chondroitin sulfate, a key cartilage component, offers potential for enhanced biocompatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize novel photopolymerizing hydrogels derived from the biopolymer chondroitin sulfate.
- To enhance scaffold bioactivity and improve tissue regeneration for cartilage applications.
- To investigate the properties and degradation of chondroitin sulfate-based hydrogels.
Main Methods:
- Methacrylate groups were grafted onto chondroitin sulfate using glycidyl methacrylate.
- Hydrogel viscoelastic properties were assessed.
- Cogels of chondroitin sulfate and poly(ethylene glycol) were fabricated and characterized for pore size, mechanical strength, and morphology via scanning electron microscopy.
- Degradation studies were performed using chondroitinase.
- Chondrocyte viability was evaluated after photoencapsulation and incubation.
Main Results:
- The synthesized chondroitin sulfate hydrogels exhibited typical viscoelastic behavior.
- Cogels showed increased pore size with higher chondroitin sulfate concentration, confirmed by water content, mechanical strength, and SEM.
- The hydrogels demonstrated specific degradation in the presence of chondroitinase.
- Chondrocytes encapsulated within the biogels maintained viability.
Conclusions:
- Photopolymerizing hydrogels derived from chondroitin sulfate can be successfully synthesized and characterized.
- These biopolymer-based hydrogels possess tunable properties and specific degradability.
- The demonstrated chondrocyte viability suggests potential applications in cartilage tissue engineering scaffolds.