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Fabrication of Size-Controlled and Emulsion-Free Chitosan-Genipin Microgels for Tissue Engineering Applications
Published on: April 13, 2022
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Chitosan-gelatin-based microgel for sustained drug delivery
1a Biomaterials and Macromolecular Science and Engineering Laboratory, Department of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering , University of Texas at El Paso , El Paso , TX , USA.
Journal of Biomaterials Science. Polymer Edition
|January 19, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed injectable microgels from chitosan and gelatin, enhanced with polyethylene glycol (PEG) for temperature-responsive drug delivery. These biocompatible and degradable microgels show potential for delivering hydrophobic drugs effectively.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Chitosan and gelatin are biocompatible polymers with potential in biomedical applications.
- Thermo-responsive materials offer advantages for controlled drug release.
- Developing injectable drug delivery vehicles is crucial for minimally invasive therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize novel thermo-responsive microgels.
- To evaluate the drug-loading and release capabilities of the microgels.
- To assess the biocompatibility and degradability of the developed microgels.
Main Methods:
- Microgels were synthesized via cross-linking of chitosan and gelatin with succinimide-end polyethylene glycol (PEG).
- Thermo-responsiveness was investigated by monitoring microgel size changes with temperature.
- In vitro biocompatibility was assessed using MTT assay with NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells.
- Drug loading and release kinetics were studied using folic acid at physiological temperature and varying pH.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of thermo-responsive microgels was achieved.
- Microgel size significantly changed with increasing temperature, demonstrating thermo-responsiveness.
- In vitro studies confirmed the microgels' biocompatibility and degradability.
- Chitosan-based microgels showed strong affinity for hydrophobic drugs and prolonged release of folic acid.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized microgels are thermo-responsive, biocompatible, and degradable.
- These injectable microgels demonstrate potential as effective delivery vehicles for hydrophobic bioactive molecules.
- The cost-effective nature of these microgels enhances their applicability in drug delivery.
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