3D-Printed Chitosan-Based Hydrogels Loaded with Levofloxacin for Tissue Engineering Applications

Biomacromolecules. 2023 Sep 11;24(9):4019-4032. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00362. Epub 2023 Aug 21.

Abstract

Herein, we demonstrate the feasibility of a three-dimensional printed chitosan (CS)-poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-gelatin (Gel) hydrogel incorporating the antimicrobial drug levofloxacin (LEV) as a potential tissue engineering scaffold. Hydrogels were prepared by physically cross-linking the polymers, and the printability of the prepared hydrogels was determined. The hydrogel with 3% w/v of CS, 3% w/v of PVA, and 2% w/v of Gel presented the best printability, producing smooth and uniform scaffolds. The integrity of 3D-printed scaffolds was improved via a neutralization process since after testing three different neutralized agents, i.e., NH3 vapors, EtOH/NaOH, and KOH solutions. It was proved that the CS/PVA/Gel hydrogel was formed by hydrogen bonds and remained amorphous in the 3D-printed structures. Drug loading studies confirmed the successful incorporation of LEV, and its in vitro release continued for 48 h. The cytotoxicity/cytocompatibility tests showed that all prepared scaffolds were cytocompatible.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chitosan*
  • Gelatin
  • Hydrogels
  • Levofloxacin / pharmacology
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional
  • Tissue Engineering*

Substances

  • Chitosan
  • Levofloxacin
  • Gelatin
  • Hydrogels