Cationic Polysaccharides in Regenerative Medicine: Challenges and Perspectives

Abstract

After an introduction to polysaccharides in general and cationic polysaccharides in particular, a short overview on different fields of applications in regenerative medicine is given. Applications are manifold and range from wound healing and artificial skins to guided nerve and bone regeneration. However, the scope of this chapter is to give a short overview on the topic by explaining important examples in detail.

Influence of Charge and Heat on the Mechanical Properties of Scaffolds from Ionic Complexation of Chitosan and Carboxymethyl Cellulose

“…This type of mechanism of water uptake during counterion influx occurs in cartilage tissue and explains the compression resilience of the latter tissue. 7 , 72 …”

“…This type of mechanism of water uptake during counterion influx occurs in cartilage tissue and explains the compression resilience of the latter tissue. 7,72 We further compared the elastic behavior of CS50 and CS50/105 °C further by rheological measurements (Figure S12). A similar observation can be made as in the unconfined compression tests; the cross-linking of CS50/105 °C led to a more pronounced elastic behavior, as indicated by the increased storage modulus from 10 to 22 kPa and the lower value of the loss tangent.…”

“… 5 These scaffolds must provide biocompatibility, porosity, chemical cues, and mechanical support to guide and attach cells. 6 , 7 Several polysaccharide-based biomaterials, including nanocelluloses, 3 hyaluronic acid, 6 , 8 alginate, 9 cellulose, 10 carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), 10 , 11 and chitosan (CS) 7 have been used to prepare such scaffolds. 7 , 10 − 17 For example, a combination with collagen has been used as functional wound dressing to improve wound healing.…”

“… 6 , 7 Several polysaccharide-based biomaterials, including nanocelluloses, 3 hyaluronic acid, 6 , 8 alginate, 9 cellulose, 10 carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), 10 , 11 and chitosan (CS) 7 have been used to prepare such scaffolds. 7 , 10 − 17 For example, a combination with collagen has been used as functional wound dressing to improve wound healing. 18 Moreover, CS/CMC biocomposites with hydroxylapatite, 15 , 19 − 21 silver, 14 wollastonite, 17 bioactive glass, 12 calcium phosphate, 16 and Cissus quadrangularis plant extract 22 have been used in bone tissue engineering.…”

“… 21 , 27 Moreover, they can be easily processed from aqueous or acidic solutions. 7 , 28 However, when mixed at a pH value where both polymers are charged and dissolved (e.g., pH 4), precipitation usually occurs, leading to weak polyelectrolyte interactions. Although CS is charged at pH 2.5, CMC can be almost fully protonated at this pH, resulting in an almost uncharged cellulose derivative.…”