Abstract
Chitosan (β-(l,4)-2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose) is a naturally occurring, abundant biopolymer with desirable biomedical material properties of biodegradability, low toxicity, and good biocompatibility. These properties indicate that chitosan may be suitable as a surface for mammalian cell growth and tissue engineering. The attachment and growth of NIH-3T3 fibroblasts on chitosan films and controls was measured. Chitosan films of 0.5, 1.5, and 3.0% (w/v) support the attachment and proliferation of NIH-3T3 fibroblasts at rates slightly lower than polystyrene controls. The film tensile properties, surface roughness, and surface free energies indicate that the film-formation technique gives films with reproducible physical and chemical properties. Our results indicate that UV–IR treatment of chitosan films can change the water in air (WIA) contact angle and surface free energy (SFE) of the films, and can potentially be used to optimize the attachment and spreading of fibroblasts on these films. The ability of these chitosan films to support cell attachment and growth indicates their potential use as biomedical surfaces. This research may result in the development of biodegradable tissue-engineering matrices.
Highlights
The goal of this research project was to explore the use of chitosan as a surface for cell attachment and growth
Chitosan films were formed with reproducible tensile properties, and the properties were in the desirable range for tissue engineering
The water in air (WIA) contact angles of the three concentration chitosan films are in the reported optimum range of 60–90 degrees to support maximum cell adhesion (Tamada and Ikada 1994)
Summary
The goal of this research project was to explore the use of chitosan as a surface for cell attachment and growth. Chitosan has potential as a biomaterial for tissue engineering scaffolds because it is biodegradable, formed into structures under mild processing conditions, can be chemically modified, is well tolerated in vivo, and has been reported to have tissue stimulating activity of its own (Klokkevold et al 1996; Muzzarelli et al 1993, 1994). Chitosan is structurally similar to hyaluronic acid and could exhibit similar wound-healing effects (Risbud et al 2000). The ability of chitosan to promote wound healing may be related to its tendency to form polyelectrolyte complexes with the GAG and heparin, which possesses anticoagulant as well as angiogenic properties (promotes tissue vascularization). Chitosan may promote tissue growth and wound healing by forming a complex with heparin and acting to prolong the half-life of growth factors (Lahji et al 2000). The films were formed by solvent casting, bulk and surface properties were measured, and films were
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
