Synthesis and characterization of a chitosan/gelatin transparent film crosslinked with a combination of EDC/NHS for corneal epithelial cell culture scaffold with potential application in cornea implantation

Abstract

The diseases and disorders of the cornea may lead to blindness, and cornea transplantation has been an effective treatment in this regard. However, lack of cornea throughout the world makes this treatment difficult. Therefore, the first goal of the present study is to make a chitosan/gelatin hyaline film with NHS and EDC crosslinkers for transplanting the epithelial cells of the cornea. Two solutions of gelatin and chitosan were mixed homogeneously before crosslinking in ratios of 20/80, 30/70, 40/60, and 50/50 (Gel/Chi). After 24 hours, they were put in an oven to dry, then EDC and NHS were added to the mixture as crosslinker. Corneal epithelial cell morphology was assessed qualitatively and compared between different ratios of chitosan and gelatin using corneal epithelial cell culture tests. Mechanical and optical analysis were performed; the results implied an increase in chitosan concentration could improve transparency and biocompatibility of produced samples. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and SEM analysis were done for the chemical and morphological characterization of fabricated films. Moreover, the presented results revealed that increment in chitosan increased water permeability and degradability of samples. Besides, MTT essays showed that with increment in chitosan concentration, cell proliferation and cell viability were significantly improved.