Genipin-crosslinked chitosan/gelatin blends for biomedical applications

J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2008 Feb;19(2):889-98. doi: 10.1007/s10856-007-3212-5. Epub 2007 Aug 1.

Abstract

Blends between chitosan (CS) and gelatin (G) with various compositions (CS/G 0/100 20/80, 40/60, 60/40 100/0 w/w) were produced, as candidate materials for biomedical applications. Different amounts of genipin (0.5 wt.% and 2.5 wt.%) were used to crosslink CS/G blends, promoting the formation of amide and tertiary amine bonds between the macromolecules and the crosslinker. The effects of composition and crosslinking on the physico-chemical properties of samples were evaluated by infrared analysis, thermogravimetry, contact angle measurements, dissolution and swelling tests. Mechanical properties of crosslinked samples were also determined through stress-strain and creep tests: samples stiffness increased with increasing the crosslinker amount and the CS content. Blend composition affected mouse fibroblasts adhesion and proliferation on substrates, depending on the crosslinker amount. Finally, crosslinked CS/G blends containing 80 wt.% G were found to support neuroblastoma cells adhesion and proliferation which made them promising candidates for uses in the field of nerve regeneration.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Chitosan / chemistry*
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / physiology
  • Gelatin / chemistry*
  • Iridoid Glycosides
  • Iridoids / chemistry*
  • Mice
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Surface Properties
  • Tensile Strength

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Iridoid Glycosides
  • Iridoids
  • Gelatin
  • Chitosan
  • genipin