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Gradient Chitosan Hydrogels Modified with Graphene Derivatives and Hydroxyapatite: Physiochemical Properties and
Karolina Kosowska1, Patrycja Domalik-Pyzik1, Małgorzata Sekuła-Stryjewska2
1Department of Biomaterials and Composites, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 16, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed novel gradient chitosan hydrogels using a green-chemistry approach. The study found that hydrogels incorporating poly(ethylene glycol) grafted graphene oxide (GO-PEG) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) show the most promise for tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Chitosan-based hydrogels are promising for tissue engineering scaffolds.
- Developing advanced hydrogels with enhanced properties is crucial for regenerative medicine.
- Green-chemistry approaches are increasingly important for sustainable biomaterial development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare gradient chitosan-matrix hydrogels using a novel freezing-gelling-thawing method.
- To investigate the influence of graphene family materials (GFM) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) on hydrogel properties.
- To evaluate the potential of these composite hydrogels as tissue engineering scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of gradient chitosan hydrogels via a freezing-gelling-thawing technique.
- Incorporation of graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and poly(ethylene glycol) grafted graphene oxide (GO-PEG), along with hydroxyapatite (HAp).
- Characterization using spectroscopy (XPS, XRD, FTIR), microscopy (SEM), rheological/mechanical analysis, and in vitro bioassays with human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs).
- Utilized tannic acid as a non-toxic physical cross-linker, adhering to green-chemistry principles.
Main Results:
- The study successfully prepared gradient chitosan-matrix hydrogels.
- The physicochemical and biological properties of composite hydrogels were significantly influenced by GFM and HAp.
- Gradient hydrogels modified with GO-PEG and HAp demonstrated the most favorable characteristics for tissue engineering applications.
- Initial cytocompatibility with hUC-MSCs was observed.
Conclusions:
- Gradient chitosan hydrogels can be effectively prepared using a novel, green freezing-gelling-thawing method.
- The incorporation of GO-PEG and HAp enhances the properties of chitosan hydrogels for tissue engineering.
- These composite hydrogels represent a promising platform for developing advanced tissue engineering scaffolds.
