Thermosensitive hydrogels whose physiological properties are similar to extracellular matrix have been extensively used for tissue regeneration. Polysaccharides and proteins, as biocompatible substrates similar to bio-macromolecules that could be recognized by human body, are two preferred polymers for fabrication of such hydrogels. A series of novel thermosensitive hydrogels (CS-ASC-HGs) containing chitosan (CS) and acid-soluble collagen (ASC) were thus prepared, in the presence of α, β-glycerophosphate, to mimic extracellular microenvironment for tissue regeneration. Rheological measurements demonstrated excellent thermosensitivity. FT-IR and SEM indicated CS-ASC-HGs possessed 3D porous architectures with fibrous ASC, and the molecular structure of ASC was well-maintained in hydrogels. Hemolysis, acute toxicity, and cytotoxicity tests suggested CS-ASC-HGs were of good biocompatibility. CS-ASC-HGs were able to support the survival and proliferation of L929 cells encapsulated in them. Moreover, CS-ASC-HGs had better pH stability and biocompatibility than pure CS hydrogel. These results suggested that CS-ASC-HGs could serve as promising scaffolds for tissue regeneration.
Keywords: 3D cell culture; Acetic Acid (PubChem CID: 176); Acid-soluble collagen; Biocompatibility; Calcein-AM (PubChem CID: 4126474); Characterization; Chitosan; Chitosan (PubChem CID: 71853); MTT (PubChem CID: 64965); Potassium bromide (PubChem CID: 253877); Sodium chloride (PubChem CID: 5234); Thermosensitive hydrogel; α-glycerophosphate (PubChem CID: 14754); β-glycerophosphate (PubChem CID: 6101544).
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