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Constructing a Collagen Hydrogel for the Delivery of Stem Cell-loaded Chitosan Microspheres
Published on: June 1, 2012
Chitosan modified poly(L-lactide) microspheres as cell microcarriers for cartilage tissue engineering
Lihong Lao1, Huaping Tan, Yingjun Wang
1Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Ministry of Education, and Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|August 12, 2008
Summary
Chitosan-coated poly(L-lactide) microspheres enhance chondrocyte compatibility for cartilage tissue engineering. These modified microspheres show improved cell attachment, proliferation, and function, making them promising injectable cell microcarriers.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) microspheres are utilized in tissue engineering but require surface modification for improved chondrocyte compatibility.
- Chitosan is a biocompatible polymer known to promote cell adhesion and proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To modify poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) microsphere surfaces with chitosan to enhance chondrocyte attachment, proliferation, and function.
- To evaluate the potential of chitosan-coated PLLA microspheres as injectable cell microcarriers for cartilage tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PLLA microspheres (74-150 microm) using oil/water emulsion solvent evaporation.
- Hydrolysis of PLLA microspheres to increase carboxyl groups, followed by covalent grafting of chitosan using carbodiimide.
- In vitro culture of rabbit auricular chondrocytes on control PLLA and chitosan-coated PLLA microspheres.
Main Results:
- Chitosan-coated PLLA microspheres demonstrated significantly enhanced chondrocyte attachment and proliferation compared to control PLLA microspheres.
- The degree of chitosan coating positively correlated with improved cell attachment and proliferation.
- Chondrocytes cultured on chitosan-coated PLLA microspheres maintained their secretion function effectively.
Conclusions:
- Chitosan-coated PLLA microspheres exhibit superior biocompatibility and cell-interactive properties for chondrocytes.
- These modified microspheres show significant potential as injectable cell microcarriers for cartilage regeneration applications.
