Elastic chitosan/chondroitin sulfate multilayer membranes
M P Sousa1, F Cleymand, J F Mano
13B's Research Group-Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, 4806-909 Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal. ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal. Present address: Department of Chemistry, CICECO, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
Biomedical Materials (Bristol, England)
|May 21, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed freestanding biomimetic films using natural polymers chitosan and chondroitin sulfate. Crosslinking with genipin tailored mechanical and swelling properties, enhancing cell adhesion for potential biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is a versatile technique for creating multilayered films.
- Natural polyelectrolytes like chitosan (CHT) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) offer biocompatibility and biodegradability.
- Controlling the mechanical and swelling properties of these films is crucial for biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate freestanding multilayered CHT/CS films using LbL technology.
- To investigate the effect of genipin crosslinking on the films' morphology, mechanical properties, and swelling behavior.
- To evaluate the in vitro biological performance of the developed films for potential biomedical use.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of freestanding multilayered films via LbL assembly of chitosan and chondroitin sulfate.
- Crosslinking of the CHT/CS membranes using varying concentrations of genipin (1 and 2 mg/ml).
- Characterization of film morphology, transparency, water uptake, mechanical properties (Young's modulus, ultimate tensile strength, maximum extension), and shape memory behavior.
- In vitro assessment of L929 cell adhesion, proliferation, and cytotoxicity.
Main Results:
- LbL assembly successfully produced freestanding CHT/CS multilayered films.
- Genipin crosslinking allowed tailoring of water uptake, Young's modulus, and ultimate tensile strength.
- Lower genipin concentration improved mechanical properties without compromising tensile stress, while higher concentrations reduced elasticity.
- Crosslinked membranes demonstrated shape memory properties upon hydration.
- In vitro assays indicated enhanced L929 cell adhesion and proliferation on crosslinked membranes, with confirmed non-cytotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- Freestanding biomimetic multilayered structures with tunable swelling and mechanical properties were successfully constructed.
- Genipin crosslinking offers an effective method to control the physical and biological characteristics of CHT/CS films.
- The developed CHT/CS membranes exhibit promising biocompatibility and tailored properties for diverse biomedical applications.
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