Biodegradable patch based on chitosan-collagen with glycerol plasticizer as scaffold for tympanic membrane...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Tympanic membrane perforation can impair hearing.
• Myringoplasty, a surgical procedure, requires a patch to cover the perforation.
• Existing patch materials may have limitations in biocompatibility or structural integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To innovate a scaffold patch for tympanic membrane perforation using chitosan-collagen with glycerol plasticizers.
• To evaluate the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of the developed scaffold patch.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of chitosan-collagen scaffolds at varying ratios (1:0, 9:1, 8:2, 7:3) with glycerol.
• Characterization using FTIR, morphological analysis, sound transmission class, tensile strength, degradation, swelling, and antibacterial tests.

Main Results:

• FTIR confirmed NH group deformation in specific sample variations.
• Morphological analysis indicated increased collagen concentration led to finer microstructural wrinkles.
• All scaffold variations exhibited proper sound transmission without sound reduction.
• The 8:2 chitosan-collagen ratio showed the highest tensile strength (8.02 MPa), though below native tympanic membrane strength.
• Scaffolds demonstrated degradation suitable for a 1-2 month healing period.
• Hydrophilic properties were observed due to free functional groups, contributing to degradation and swelling.
• No antibacterial inhibition zone was formed as chitosan did not diffuse through the agar.

Conclusions:

• The developed chitosan-collagen scaffold shows promise as a myringoplasty patch due to its sound transmission and appropriate degradation profile.
• Further optimization of glycerol plasticizer concentration is needed to enhance tensile strength.
• While not exhibiting direct antibacterial activity in this assay, the material's biocompatibility and structural support are key for tympanic membrane regeneration.