Chitosan/PVA Based Membranes Processed by Gamma Radiation as Scaffolding Materials for Skin Regeneration.

Maria Helena Casimiro,Gabriela Rodrigues,Luís M Ferreira,Andreia Pereira,João P Leal

doi:10.3390/membranes11080561

Abstract

Some of the current strategies for the development of scaffolding materials capable of inducing tissue regeneration have been based on the use of polymeric biomaterials. Chitosan, in particular, due to its recognized biological activity has been used in a number of biomedical applications. Aiming the development of chitosan-based membranes with improved cell adhesion and growth properties to be used as skin scaffolds allowing functional tissue replacement, different formulations with chitosan of different molecular weight, poly (vinyl alcohol) and gelatin, were evaluated. To meet the goal of getting ready-to-use scaffolds assuring membranes’ required properties and sterilization, preparation methodology included a lyophilization procedure followed by a final gamma irradiation step. Two radiation dose values were tested. Samples were characterized by TGA, FTIR, and SEM techniques. Their hydrophilic properties, in vitro stability, and biocompatibility were also evaluated. Results show that all membranes present a sponge-type inner structure. Chitosan of low molecular weight and the introduction of gelatin are more favorable to cellular growth leading to an improvement on cells’ morphology and cytoskeletal organization, giving a good perspective to the use of these membranes as potential skin scaffolds.

Highlights

Skin is the largest organ in humans being composed of three primary layers: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis
In parallel to its protective function against external agents, it has an important role in body thermoregulation and in protein and vitamin D metabolisms since most of the vitamin D produced by the human body comes from the epidermal layer [1,2]
The weight change measured as a function of temperature was associated with alterations undergone by the sample that resulted from the rupture and/or formation of physical and/or chemical bonds

Summary

Introduction

Skin is the largest organ in humans being composed of three primary layers: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Being the first barrier against external stress, skin is exposed to several aggressions that can induce diseases and severe injuries. Its vital importance makes its replacement essential when, for some reason (burn, accident, disease, etc.), part of the skin is damaged. Thanks to its self-repair ability, a recovery of the skin itself in some cases are expected. It turns out that there is often not enough skin to harvest from the patient (autograft) or that there is a strong possibility that the body will react to the graft harvested from another person (allograft), which in this case, requires immuno-suppressants to ensure that there is no rejection. In the case of burn patients, immunosuppressive therapy is not advised once they have some degree of immune dysfunction and, an increased risk of infection [4]

Methods

Results

Conclusion