Characterization Of Chitosan-chondroitin Sulfate Blended Membranes And Effects On The Growth Of Corneal Cells

Abstract

In order to construct a suitable scaffold for corneal cell culture and transplantation in vitro, different chitosan-chondroitin sulfate blended membranes were prepared and the properties of blended membranes were studied. Corneal stroma cells and corneal endothelial cells were seeded onto the blended membrane surface and the effects of the blended membranes on corneal cell attachment and metabolism were investigated. The results showed that chitosan and chondroitin sulfate had good compatibility in blended membranes. Chondroitin sulfate improved the homogeneousness, crystallization, transparency, and tensile strength and decreased the water content of the blended membrane. Within the blending ratio of 1:0.1, chondroitin sulfate reduced the damage of chitosan membranes to cells and improved the biocompatibility between cells and membranes. Corneal cells grew and formed a confluent monolayer on chitosan-chondroitin sulfate blended membranes (CH-CS3). All results indicated that the blended membranes of chitosan and chondroitin sulfate could be used as a scaffold for corneal cell culture in vitro and have potential to be used as carriers for corneal endothelial cell transplantation. Copyright © 2010 VBRI press.