T. Furuike

Synthesis, characterization and bioactivity studies of novel β-chitin scaffolds for tissue-engineering applications

Chitin is a biopolymer and it is non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible. Chitin has many potential industrial applications because of its abundance, biodegradability, non-toxicity, chemical inertness. beta-Chitin scaffolds were prepared by using saturated calcium chloride alcoholic solution (CaCl(2).6H(2)O/EtOH) and then followed by dialysis with lyophilization. The prepared beta-chitin scaffolds were characterized by FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric (TGA). The preliminary bioactivity studies of beta-chitin scaffolds were studied by using simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for 7, 14 and 21 days. We also immersed the beta-chitin scaffolds in saturated aqueous CaCl(2) and Na(2)HPO(4) solution over 12h. After 7, 14 and 21 days, the scaffolds were characterized by SEM and FT-IR studies. The SEM studies showed that there is a calcium phosphate layer in the surface as well as in the cross-section of beta-chitin scaffolds. It seems that the beta-chitin scaffolds are useful in the tissue-engineering field.

Preparation, characterization, bioactive and cell attachment studies of α-chitin/gelatin composite membranes

The chitin/gelatin composite membranes were prepared by mixing of chitin hydrogel with gelatin. The prepared composite membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), mechanical, swelling, enzymatic degradation and thermal studies. The XRD pattern of the chitin/gelatin composite membranes showed almost the same pattern as alpha-chitin. The bioactivity studies of these chitin/gelatin membranes were carried out with the simulated body fluid solution (SBF) for 7, 14 and 21 days followed by the characterization with the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectrum (EDS) studies. The SEM and EDS studies confirmed the formation of calcium phosphate layer on the surface of chitin/gelatin membranes. Biocompatibility of the chitin/gelatin membrane was assessed using human MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. After 48 h of incubation, it was found that the cells had attached and completely covered the membrane surface. Thus, the prepared chitin/gelatin membranes are bioactive and are suitable for cell adhesion suggesting that these membranes can be used for tissue-engineering applications.

Perspectives of Chitin and Chitosan Nanofibrous Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering

Chitin and its deacetylated derivative, chitosan, are non-toxic, biodegradable biopolymers currently being developed for use in biomedical applications such as tissue engineering scaffolds, wound dressings, separation membranes, antibacterial coatings, stent coatings, and sensors. Recently, nano fibrous scaffolds based on chitin or chitosan have potential applications in tissue engineering. Tissue engineering is one of the most exciting interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research areas today, and there has been exponential growth in the number of research publications in this area in recent years. It involves the use of living cells, manipulated through their extracellular environment or genetically to develop biological substitutes for implantation into the body and/or to foster remodeling of tissues in some active manners. Electrospun chitin and chitosan nano fibrous scaffolds would be used to produce tissue engineering scaffolds with improved cytocompatibility, which could mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM). Electrospinning is truly a feasible means of producing nano fibrous scaffolds that resemble the ECM, however, moreover than this, it is imperative that the effects of an artificial matrix has on cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. This review summarizes the recent progress in chitin and chitosan based nano fibrous scaffolds with an emphasis in tissue engineering applications.