Comparison of various mixtures of β-chitin and chitosan as a scaffold for three-dimensional culture of rabbit chondrocytes

Abstract

With the use of a recently created chitosan neutral hydrogel, we have been able to create various mixtures of chitin and chitosan without changing their characteristics even at room temperature. The aim of this study was the initial comparison of various mixtures of beta-chitin and chitosan as a scaffold for rabbit chondrocyte culture. We created five types of sponges: pure beta-chitin, pure chitosan, 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 beta-chitin-chitosan. The absorption efficiencies of chondrocytes in all five types of sponges were found to be around 98%. The mean concentrations of chondroitin sulfate were statistically different neither at week 2 nor at week 4 postculture between the types of sponges. The content of hydroxyproline in the beta-chitin sponge was significantly greater than in other sponges at week 4 postculture. From the histochemical and immunohistochemical findings, the cartilage-like layer in the chondrocytes-sponge composites of all five types of sponges was similar to hyaline cartilage. However, only immunohistochemical staining of type II collagen in the pure beta-chitin sponge was closer to normal rabbit cartilage than other types of sponges. The pure beta-chitin sponge was superior to other sponges concerning the content of extracellular matrices of collagen.

Three-dimensional chitin-based scaffolds from Verongida sponges (Demospongiae: Porifera). Part II: Biomimetic potential and applications

“…Since this method results in pillar-shaped composites, it is possible to press-fit the material into articular cartilage defects without covering the periosteum or suturing the implant. The preparation of sponge-like materials from chitin has also recently been described by Suzuki et al [11]. Several papers related to the application of chitinous scaffolds in tissue engineering have been recently published by the group of Professor Jayakumar [12][13][14][15].…”

Biomedical applications of chitin hydrogel membranes and scaffolds

“…3) suggested that ␤-chitin-HAp composite membranes could be used for tissue engineering applications. Suzuki et al (2008), developed ␤-chitin sponges with chondrocyte culture. The absorption efficiencies of chondrocytes in ␤-chitin sponges were found to be around 98%.…”

Biomimetic potential of chitin-based composite biomaterials of poriferan origin

“…It was reported (Suzuki et al , 2008) that scaffolds made of pure β -chitin or pure chitosan or 3:1, 1:1 and 1:3 β -chitin + chitosan, showed the same effi ciency in supporting chondrocytes (c. 98%), and the same concentration of chondroitin sulfate. The content of hydroxyproline in the β -chitin sponge-like material was signifi cantly greater than in other sponge-like scaffolds at week 4 post culture.…”

“…As this method results in pillar-shaped composites, it is possible to press-fi t the material into articular cartilage defects without covering the periosteum or suturing the implant. The preparation of sponge-like materials from chitin has also recently been described by Suzuki et al (2008).…”