Abstract
Hydrogels constructed from naturally derived polymers provide an aqueous environment that encourages cell growth, however, mechanical properties are poor and degradation can be difficult to predict. Whilst, synthetic hydrogels exhibit some improved mechanical properties, these materials lack biochemical cues for cells growing and have limited biodegradation. To produce hydrogels that support 3D cell cultures to form tissue mimics, materials must exhibit appropriate biological and mechanical properties. In this study, novel organic-inorganic hybrid hydrogels based on chitosan and silica were prepared using the sol-gel technique. The chemical, physical and biological properties of the hydrogels were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using One-Way ANOVAs and independent-sample t-tests. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed characteristic absorption bands including amide II, Si-O and Si-O-Si confirming formation of hybrid networks. Oscillatory rheometry was used to characterise the sol to gel transition and viscoelastic behaviour of hydrogels. Furthermore, in vitro degradation revealed both chitosan and silica were released over 21 days. The hydrogels exhibited high loading efficiency as total protein loading was released in a week. There were significant differences between TC2G and C2G at all-time points (p < 0.05). The viability of osteoblasts seeded on, and encapsulated within, the hydrogels was >70% over 168 h culture and antimicrobial activity was demonstrated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis. The hydrogels developed here offer alternatives for biopolymer hydrogels for biomedical use, including for application in drug/cell delivery and for bone tissue engineering.
Highlights
Skeletal tissue defects resulting from disease, congenital deformities or trauma are often treated by surgery using autografts, allografts and/or xenografts
This study presents the development and characterisation of novel chitosan-silica hybrid hydrogels
The hydrogels demonstrated specific degradation and mechanical properties that supported the growth of cells, which may be used for specific applications such as tissue engineering
Summary
Skeletal tissue defects resulting from disease, congenital deformities or trauma are often treated by surgery using autografts, allografts and/or xenografts. While allografts and xenografts are readily available in sufficient quantity these materials may cause risk of infection transmission, unpredictable bone formation and immunogenic responses [2,3,4]. Natural polymer hydrogels that imitate the extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues are promising materials for the therapeutic delivery of drugs, proteins and cells for tissue repair and regeneration [6,7]. Injectability of such hydrogel systems allows for minimally invasive surgery to fill defects [8,9]
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