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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
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Fabrication of Size-Controlled and Emulsion-Free Chitosan-Genipin Microgels for Tissue Engineering Applications
Published on: April 13, 2022
Disulfide-crosslinked chitosan hydrogel for cell viability and controlled protein release
1Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development Ministry of Health, Metabolic Diseases Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
Summary
New synthetic chitosan hydrogels, crosslinked via disulfide bonds, show promise for tissue engineering and drug delivery. These biocompatible materials support cell migration and viability, offering controlled release of therapeutic agents.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in cell behavior and tissue function.
- Developing synthetic hydrogels that mimic ECM properties is essential for advanced biomedical applications.
- Chitosan (CS) is a versatile biopolymer with potential for hydrogel fabrication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize disulfide-crosslinked chitosan (CS) hydrogels as ECM mimics.
- To investigate the influence of thiolation degree and CS concentration on hydrogel properties.
- To evaluate the potential of these hydrogels for controlled drug delivery and cell culture.
Main Methods:
- Chitosan was chemically modified with N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) to introduce thiol groups.
- Thiolated CS solutions were crosslinked via disulfide bond formation in air at pH 7.4.
- Hydrogel characterization included thermal analysis (thermogravimetric analysis) and structural analysis (scanning electron microscopy).
- In vitro release studies were performed using insulin and bovine serum albumin (BSA).
- In vitro cell compatibility was assessed using NIH 3T3 fibroblasts.
Main Results:
- Disulfide-crosslinked CS hydrogels (CSS-S) were successfully synthesized.
- Gelation kinetics were dependent on thiolation degree, CS concentration, and CS molecular weight.
- Thermogravimetric analysis indicated good thermal stability of the hydrogels.
- Scanning electron microscopy revealed a porous 3D structure with pore sizes ranging from 5 to 30 micrometers.
- Controlled in vitro release of insulin and BSA was achieved by tuning hydrogel composition and disulfide bond content.
- NIH 3T3 cells exhibited good viability, migrated into the hydrogels, and maintained 3D morphology, demonstrating biocompatibility.
Conclusions:
- Disulfide-crosslinked chitosan hydrogels are promising synthetic biomaterials.
- These macroporous, biocompatible hydrogels offer tunable properties for specific applications.
- Potential applications include tissue engineering, controlled drug delivery systems, and advanced cell culture platforms.
