Novel Chitosan-Silica Hybrid Hydrogels for Cell Encapsulation and Drug Delivery

Hydrogels constructed from naturally derived polymers provide an aqueous environment that encourages cell growth, however, mechanical properties are poor and degradation can be difficult to predict. Whilst, synthetic hydrogels exhibit some improved mechanical properties, these materials lack biochem...

Descripción completa

Guardado en:
Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Soher N. Jayash, Paul R. Cooper, Richard M. Shelton, Sarah A. Kuehne, Gowsihan Poologasundarampillai
Formato: article
Lenguaje:EN
Publicado: MDPI AG 2021
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://doaj.org/article/b34821a2af5941c5b45b4ddf6a9d0d5a
Etiquetas: Agregar Etiqueta
Sin Etiquetas, Sea el primero en etiquetar este registro!
Descripción
Sumario:Hydrogels constructed from naturally derived polymers provide an aqueous environment that encourages cell growth, however, mechanical properties are poor and degradation can be difficult to predict. Whilst, synthetic hydrogels exhibit some improved mechanical properties, these materials lack biochemical cues for cells growing and have limited biodegradation. To produce hydrogels that support 3D cell cultures to form tissue mimics, materials must exhibit appropriate biological and mechanical properties. In this study, novel organic-inorganic hybrid hydrogels based on chitosan and silica were prepared using the sol-gel technique. The chemical, physical and biological properties of the hydrogels were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using One-Way ANOVAs and independent-sample <i>t</i>-tests. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed characteristic absorption bands including amide II, Si-O and Si-O-Si confirming formation of hybrid networks. Oscillatory rheometry was used to characterise the sol to gel transition and viscoelastic behaviour of hydrogels. Furthermore, in vitro degradation revealed both chitosan and silica were released over 21 days. The hydrogels exhibited high loading efficiency as total protein loading was released in a week. There were significant differences between TC<sub>2</sub>G and C<sub>2</sub>G at all-time points (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The viability of osteoblasts seeded on, and encapsulated within, the hydrogels was >70% over 168 h culture and antimicrobial activity was demonstrated against <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> and <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>. The hydrogels developed here offer alternatives for biopolymer hydrogels for biomedical use, including for application in drug/cell delivery and for bone tissue engineering.