Synthesis and characterization of a photocrosslinkable chitosan–gelatin hydrogel aimed for tissue regeneration

Abstract

In the area of tissue engineering different approaches have been studied, so far, for promoting regeneration or replacement of damaged tissues. Among the different materials developed, hydrogels, due to their biocompatibility and similarities with the native extracellular matrix, have emerged as suitable candidates for being used for different therapeutic purposes. Herein, photocrosslinkable hydrogels, composed by chitosan methacrylamide (ChMA) and gelatin methacrylamide (GelMA) were crosslinked by ultraviolet (UV) light, using Irgacue 2959 as photoinitiator. The morphological, physicochemical and biological properties of the hydrogels were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. The obtained results demonstrated that the developed hydrogels possess suitable properties for being used as 3D constructs on several areas of tissue engineering. Furthermore, these properties may allow their future application as space filling agents or as delivery vehicles of bioactive molecules and cells.

Xanthan Gum–Konjac Glucomannan Blend Hydrogel for Wound Healing

“…All the samples were mounted on a diamond window and the spectra were recorded using a Nicolet iS10 FTIR spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). In order to compare the spectra of individual components with those of the produced hydrogels, all the raw components used for hydrogel production were also analyzed [31].…”

Photocrosslinkable chitosan hydrogels and their biomedical applications

“…) and methacrylamide chitosan (13 in Fig. ), were also proposed . However, formic acid or acetic acid was used as a solvent in this reaction condition, which could result in degradation of CS molecular chain to make final hydrogels relatively weaker.…”

“…For UV photopolymerization, a common photoinitiator is Darocur 2959, which is selected due to its solubility in water and a reduced cytotoxic effect for different cell types . When Darocur 2959 is exposed to UV light, free radicals (benzoyl and ketyl) are generated and further attach the alkene groups of photoactive macromers to form intermolecular covalent bonds, leading to formation of hydrogel network that is chain growth mechanism of photopolymerization. Based on this mechanism, many photocrosslinked CS hydrogel systems were prepared.…”

“…Based on this mechanism, many photocrosslinked CS hydrogel systems were prepared. Saraiva et al synthesized photocrosslinkable hydrogels composed by methacrylamide CS and methacrylamide gelatin, using Darocur 2959 as a photoinitiator. A series of photoactive CS based hydrogel systems were also prepared such as photopolymerized (methacryloyloxy) ethyl carboxyethyl CS hydrogel, photopolymerized injectable maleilated CS/poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogels, and photopolymerized maleilated CS/methacrylated poly (vinyl alcohol) hydrogels .…”

Capillary Origami Inspired Fabrication of Complex 3D Hydrogel Constructs

“…Hydrogels have found extensive applications in diverse engineering and biomedical territories, such as flexible electronics, tissue regeneration, and drug delivery . Accumulating evidence has shown that the 3D shape and size of hydrogels are vital in these applications .…”