Preparation and Characterization of an Injectable and Photo-Responsive Chitosan Methacrylate/Graphene Oxide Hydrogel: Potential Applications in Bone Tissue Adhesion and Repair

Abstract

As life expectancy continues to increase, the inevitable weakening and rupture of bone tissue have grown as concerns in the medical community, thus leading to the need for adhesive materials suitable for bone repair applications. However, current commercially available adhesives face certain drawbacks that prevent proper tissue repair, such as low biocompatibility, poor adhesion to wet surfaces, and the need for high polymerization temperatures. This work aims to develop an injectable and photo-responsive chitosan methacrylate/graphene oxide (ChiMA/GO) adhesive nanocomposite hydrogel of high biocompatibility that is easy to apply by simple extrusion and that offers the possibility for in situ polymer and physiological temperatures. The nanocomposite was thoroughly characterized spectroscopically, microscopically, rheologically, thermally, and through mechanical, textural, and biological assays to fully evaluate its correct synthesis and functionalization and its performance under physiological conditions that mimic those observed in vivo. In addition, a finite element analysis (FEA) simulation was used to evaluate its performance in femur fractures. Results suggest the material’s potential as a bioadhesive, as it can polymerize at room temperature, shows superior stability in physiological media, and is capable of withstanding loads from body weight and movement. Moreover, the material showed remarkable biocompatibility as evidenced by low hemolytic and intermediate platelet aggregation tendencies, and high cytocompatibility when in contact with osteoblasts. The comprehensive studies presented here strongly suggest that the developed hydrogels are promising alternatives to conventional bone adhesives that might be further tested in vivo in the near future.

Novel Photo- and Thermo-Responsive Nanocomposite Hydrogels Based on Functionalized rGO and Modified SIS/Chitosan Polymers for Localized Treatment of Malignant Cutaneous Melanoma

“…The chemical conjugation of methacryloyl groups to SIS and chitosan was achieved by following the synthesis protocols reported by Rueda-Gensini et al (2021) and Céspedes-Valenzuela et al (2021a) , which aimed to induce enhanced methacrylation levels for these polymers. This modification was confirmed by changes in the FTIR spectra of SIS and chitosan ( Supplementary Figure S2 ).…”

“…Similarly, MA’s carboxyl groups were bound to the pendant primary amines of chitosan monomers through the same conjugation reaction described above, following the protocol reported by Céspedes-Valenzuela et al (2021a) ( Figures 2A,C ). High-density chitosan (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, United States) was solubilized in acetic acid 0.17 M at 3.5 mg/ml for 10 min under magnetic stirring at 400 RPM.…”

Application Progress of Modified Chitosan and Its Composite Biomaterials for Bone Tissue Engineering

“…The aggregation of CS–MA and graphene oxide (GO) is favorable for bone regeneration. The platelets promote the migration and proliferation of osteogenic cells, increase blood vessel formation, and induce inflammatory reactions [ 199 ].…”

Evaluation of the Effect of Selected Physiological Fluid Contaminants on the Mechanical Properties of Selected Medium-Viscosity PMMA Bone Cements

“…Despite optimized cement preparation and proper pre-cementing technique, the biomechanical properties of the bone cement used appear to be very important in preventing aseptic loosening of the implant [ 26 , 27 ]. The mechanical properties of bone cements may be affected by factors such as antibiotic content; intentionally introduced admixtures [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ]; or contaminants present in the surgical field such as blood, bone tissue fragments, saline solution [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ] or commonly used lavage solutions [ 37 ], as well as the mixing process itself [ 38 , 39 , 40 ] and the preparation of the cement for implantation. Intensive research is currently being conducted to improve the thermal, mechanical and biological properties of bone cements [ 16 ].…”