Thermal-crosslinked porous chitosan scaffolds for soft tissue engineering applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Chitosan scaffolds are promising for tissue regeneration.
• Sterilization methods are crucial for clinical translation.
• Existing methods may affect scaffold properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate steam autoclave for chitosan scaffold sterilization and thermal-crosslinking.
• To assess the impact of this process on scaffold properties.
• To determine the suitability of scaffolds for cell culture.

Main Methods:

• Lyophilized chitosan scaffolds were processed using a steam autoclave.
• Scaffold porosity, pore size, and mechanical properties were analyzed.
• In vitro cell culture studies assessed cell attachment and proliferation.

Main Results:

• Steam autoclave effectively sterilized and crosslinked chitosan scaffolds.
• Scaffold porosity (>80%) and pore size (~70 μm) remained largely unchanged.
• Compressive modulus increased to 109.8 kPa, with a swelling ratio of 23.3.
• Homogenous pore size distribution was observed post-sterilization.
• Scaffolds supported excellent cell attachment and proliferation.

Conclusions:

• Steam autoclave is a viable, simple, and low-toxicity method for chitosan scaffold sterilization and crosslinking.
• The process enhances mechanical integrity without compromising structural integrity.
• These chitosan scaffolds show significant potential for soft tissue engineering applications.