Aerogels Based on Chitosan and Collagen Modified with Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄ Nanoparticles: Fabrication and Characterization

The necessity to mitigate the intrinsic issues associated with tissue or organ transplants, in order to address the rising prevalence of diseases attributable to increased life expectancy, provides a rationale for the pursuit of innovation in the field of biomaterials. Specifically, biopolymeric aerogels represent a significant advancement in the field of tissue engineering, offering a promising solution for the formation of temporary porous matrices that can replace damaged tissues. However, the functional characteristics of these materials are inadequate, necessitating the implementation of matrix reinforcement methods to enhance their performance. In this study, chemical and green iron oxide nanoparticles, previously synthesized and documented in existing research, were incorporated into hybrid aerogels combining collagen (C) and chitosan (CH). The characterization of these aerogels was conducted through rheological, microstructural, and functional analyses. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of iron oxide nanoparticles has a significant influence on the properties of the aerogels fabricated with them. In particular, the incorporation of these nanoparticles has been observed to modify the mechanical properties, with an increase in strength and porosity that may support cell proliferation.