Preparation and Characterization of TPP-Chitosan Crosslinked Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Scaffolds are three-dimensional porous structures that must have specific requirements to be applied in tissue engineering. Therefore, the study of factors affecting scaffold performance is of great importance. In this work, the optimal conditions for cross-linking preformed chitosan (CS) scaffolds by the tripolyphosphate polyanion (TPP) were investigated. The effect on scaffold physico-chemical properties of different concentrations of chitosan (1 and 2% w/v) and tripolyphosphate (1 and 2% w/v) as well as of cross-linking reaction times (2, 4, or 8 h) were studied. It was evidenced that a low CS concentration favored the formation of three-dimensional porous structures with a good pore interconnection while the use of more severe conditions in the cross-linking reaction (high TPP concentration and crosslinking reaction time) led to scaffolds with a suitable pore homogeneity, thermal stability, swelling behavior, and mechanical properties, but having a low pore interconnectivity. Preliminary biocompatibility tests showed a good osteoblasts’ viability when cultured on the scaffold obtained by CS 1%, TPP 1%, and an 8-h crosslinking time. These findings suggest how modulation of scaffold cross-linking conditions may permit to obtain chitosan scaffold with properly tuned morphological, mechanical and biological properties for application in the tissue regeneration field.

Advanced Strategies for Tissue Engineering in Regenerative Medicine: A Biofabrication and Biopolymer Perspective

“…One of the most commonly used agents from the crosslinking of chitosan in tripolyphosphate polyanion (TPP). In a study by Silvestro et al, the optimal crosslinking conditions between chitosan and TPP, as well as the effect on the physico-chemical properties of the resulting scaffolds were investigated [ 49 ]. This is important as the porosity of a scaffold as well as the pore size play a vital role in cell adhesion and proliferation.…”

“…Preliminary biocompatibility studies were completed on one of the scaffolds (chitosan 1% w / v , TPP 2% w / v , 8 h reaction) and the results showed good cell viability. This study illustrates how the aspects of a formulation can be modified to suit its intended design by adjusting parameters within the formulation processes [ 49 ].…”

“… In order to view the porosity of the scaffolds formulated in this studied, SEM micrographs were taken. The concentrations and reaction times were as follows; ( A ) pure chitosan 1% w / v , ( B ) pure chitosan 2% w / v , ( C ) chitosan 1% w / v , TPP 1% w / v , 2 h, ( D ) chitosan 1% w / v , TPP 1% w / v , 8 h, ( E ) chitosan 1% w / v , TPP 2% w / v , 2 h, ( F ) chitosan 1% w / v , TPP 2% w / v , 8 h, ( G ) chitosan 2% w / v , TPP 2% w / v , 2 h and ( H ) chitosan 2% w / v , TPP 2% w / v , 8 h [ 49 ]. …”

Lyophilized Emulsions in the Form of 3D Porous Matrices as a Novel Material for Topical Application

“…However, the porous structure of materials is also beneficial for wound healing—the dressing may be a breathable protective barrier that maintains the optimal microenvironment for the wound healing process, as well may constitute a micro-skeleton for the migrating cells involved in granulation and epithelialization [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Various biopolymers may be employed in the preparation of porous materials, such as collagen [ 9 , 10 ], gelatin [ 11 , 12 ], chitosan [ 13 ], fibroin [ 14 ], sodium alginate [ 15 ], pullulan [ 16 ] and cellulose [ 17 ].…”

Starch Solutions Prepared under Different Conditions as Modifiers of Chitosan/Poly(aspartic acid)-Based Hydrogels

“…Moreover, it was proved that such systems positively affected the in vivo ingrowth of cells and tissues as well as in vivo vascular formation [ 4 ]. Numerous investigations were performed to evaluate properties and potential of chitosan as a main component of scaffolds for tissue regeneration [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”