B. Girase

Structure–process–property relationship of the polar graphene oxide-mediated cellular response and stimulated growth of osteoblasts on hybrid chitosan network structure nanocomposite scaffolds

We here describe the structure-process-property relationship of graphene oxide-mediated proliferation and growth of osteoblasts in conjunction with the physico-chemical, mechanical, and structural properties. Chitosan-graphene network structure scaffolds were synthesized by covalent linkage of the carboxyl groups of graphene oxide with the amine groups of chitosan. The negatively charged graphene oxide in chitosan scaffolds was an important physico-chemical factor influencing cell-scaffold interactions. Furthermore, it was advantageous in enhancing the biocompatibility of the scaffolds and the degradation products of the scaffolds. The high water retention ability, hydrophilic nature, and high degree of interconnectivity of the porous structure of chitosan-graphene oxide scaffolds facilitated cell attachment and proliferation and improved the stability against enzymatic degradation. The cells infiltrated and colonized the pores of the scaffolds and established cell-cell interactions. The interconnectivity of the porous structure of the scaffolds helps the flow of medium throughout the scaffold for even cell adhesion. Moreover, the seeded cells were able to infiltrate inside the pores of chitosan-graphene oxide scaffolds, suggesting that the incorporation of polar graphene oxide in scaffolds is promising for bone tissue engineering.

Organic/inorganic hybrid network structure nanocomposite scaffolds based on grafted chitosan for tissue engineering.

We describe the first study of structure-processing-property relationship in organic/inorganic hybrid network structure nanocomposite scaffolds based on grafted chitosan for bone tissue engineering. Chitosan was first grafted with propylene oxide to form hydroxypropylated chitosan, which was subsequently linked with ethylene glycol functionalized nanohydroxyapatite to form an organic/inorganic network structure. The resulting scaffold was characterized by a highly porous structure and significantly superior physico-chemical, mechanical and biological properties compared to pure chitosan. The scaffolds exhibited high modulus, controlled swelling behavior and reduced water uptake, but the water retention ability was similar to pure chitosan scaffold. MTT assay studies confirmed the non-cytotoxic nature of the scaffolds and enabled degradation products to be analyzed. The nanocomposite scaffolds were biocompatible and supported adhesion, spreading, proliferation and viability of osteoblasts cells. Furthermore, the cells were able to infiltrate and colonize into the pores of the scaffolds and establish cell-cell interactions. The study suggests that hydroxypropylation of chitosan and forming a network structure with a nano-inorganic constituent is a promising approach for enhancing physico-chemical, functional and biological properties for utilization in bone tissue engineering applications.