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Updated: Jan 3, 2026
Constructing a Collagen Hydrogel for the Delivery of Stem Cell-loaded Chitosan Microspheres
Published on: June 1, 2012
Chitosan/gellan gum ratio content into blends modulates the scaffolding capacity of hydrogels on bone mesenchymal
Ariel C de Oliveira1, Roberta M Sabino2, Paulo R Souza3
1Laboratory of Materials, Macromolecules and Composites, Federal University of Technology (UTFPR), 86812-460, Apucarana, PR, Brazil; Group of Polymers and Composite Materials, Chemical Department, State University of Maringá (UEM), Maringá, PR, 87020-900, Brazil.
Abstract:
Here, we have demonstrated the production and characterization of hydrogel scaffolds based on chitosan/gellan gum (CS/GG) assemblies, without any covalent and metallic crosslinking agents, conventionally used to yield non-soluble polysaccharide-based materials. The polyelectrolyte complexes (physical hydrogels called as PECs) are characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering, and scanning electron microscopy. Hydrogels containing chitosan (CS) excesses (ranging from 60 to 80 wt%) were created. Durable polysaccharide-based scaffolds with structural homogeneity and interconnecting pore networks are developed by modulating the CS/GG weight ratio. The CS/GG hydrogel prepared at 80/20 CS/GG weight ratio (sample CS/GG80-20) is cytocompatible, supporting the attachment, growth, and spreading of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) after nine days of cell culture. The cytocompatibility is correlated to the swelling capacity of the PEC in PBS buffer (pH 7.4). By controlling the CS content, we can tune the water uptake of the material, enhancing the capacity to serve as a three-dimensional cell scaffold for BMSCs. This work presents for the first time that CS/GG hydrogels can be applied as scaffolds for tissue engineering purposes.
