Sterilized chitosan-based composite hydrogels: Physicochemical characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Hydrogels are crucial in tissue engineering due to their ability to mimic the extracellular matrix.
• Developing biocompatible and mechanically stable hydrogel scaffolds is essential for successful tissue regeneration.
• Steam sterilization is a common method for medical device sterilization, but its effect on hydrogel properties needs thorough evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize gelatin/chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels.
• To evaluate the impact of steam sterilization on hydrogel properties and biocompatibility.
• To assess the suitability of these hydrogels as scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Main Methods:

• Hydrogels fabricated using freeze-drying at varying polymer ratios.
• Characterization via simultaneous thermal analysis, FTIR, XRD, confocal microscopy, nitrogen adsorption/desorption, rheometry, and MTT assay.
• Steam sterilization applied to assess its effect on hydrogel properties and cell viability.

Main Results:

• Hydrogels exhibited decomposition onset below 253°C, semicrystalline nature, and porous morphology.
• Maximum water uptake of 9-12 times dry mass in PBS within 80 minutes.
• Demonstrated solid-like behavior (2,567–48,705 Pa) and low cytotoxicity (>70% cell viability) after steam sterilization.
• Sterilized hydrogels maintained structural integrity and biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• Gelatin/chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels possess favorable thermal, mechanical, and structural properties.
• Steam sterilization effectively sterilizes these hydrogels without compromising their essential characteristics.
• The fabricated and sterilized hydrogels are promising candidates for tissue engineering scaffolds.