Preparation of collagen–chondroitin sulfate–hyaluronic acid hybrid hydrogel scaffolds and cell compatibility in vitro

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers Vol. 84; no. 1; pp. 118 - 125
• Main Authors: Zhang, Ling, Li, Kuifeng, Xiao, Wenqian, Zheng, Li, Xiao, Yumei, Fan, Hongsong, Zhang, Xingdong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 11.02.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; biocompatibility; Biological and medical sciences; Biomimetic; biomimetics; cartilage; Cartilage tissue engineering; chondrocytes; Collagen; crosslinking; Exact sciences and technology; extracellular matrix; gelatinization temperature; Glycosaminoglycans; hydrocolloids; Hydrogel; in vitro studies; Medical sciences; Natural polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; Proteins; Starch and polysaccharides; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Technology. Biomaterials. Equipments; tissue engineering; tissue scaffolds; Cartilage tissue engineering; Glycosaminoglycans; Hydrogel; Biomimetic; Collagen; Biological properties; Cell proliferation; Chondrocyte; Biodegradability; Aglycone; Property processing relationship; Colloidal gel; Water absorption; Biomaterial; Framework; Tissue engineering; Mechanical properties; Crosslinking; Experimental study; In vitro; Protein; Structure processing relationship; Morphology; Preparation; Oside polymer; Chondroitin sulfate; Kinetics; Hyaluronic acid
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2010.11.009

Ideal scaffolds for tissue engineering should mimic natural extracellular matrix (ECM) as much as possible. The aim of this study was to develop a biomimetic hydrogel scaffold with good operability and stability by collagen self-assembly. To improve physical and chemical performances, the hydrogels were crosslinked with different concentrations of genipin using gel-crosslinking method. Morphology, crosslinking index, and content of glycosaminoglycans of the hydrogel scaffolds were characterized. The potential of the hydrogels as cartilage tissue engineering scaffolds was evaluated by compression test, swelling measurement, in vitro degradation assay, and biocompatibility study in vitro. Results showed that hydrogel scaffold crosslinked with 0.75mM genipin exhibited balanced optimal properties, and excellent cellular compatibility. Since gelation was temperature sensitive and crosslink occurred under mild conditions, the hydrogel scaffold may be well suited as a carrier for chondrocytes transplantation or as cartilage tissue engineering scaffolds.