Researchers develop biomimetic chitosan scaffolds for tissue engineering
Innovative use of silk microfibers to enhance chitosan's performance in biomedical applications
image: Innovative use of silk microfibers to enhance chitosan's performance in biomedical applications
Credit: Institute of Applied Bioresources, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
In a groundbreaking study, Zongpu Xu and his team at Zhejiang University have transformed common biomass materials into high-performance biomedical scaffolds using a biomimetic strategy. The research, published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, details the creation of silk microfiber/chitosan (mSF/CS) composite scaffolds that exhibit significantly improved mechanical strength and biological compatibility compared to pure chitosan.
Chitosan, derived from chitin, has been widely studied for its potential in tissue engineering due to its bioactivity and hemostatic properties. However, its insufficient mechanical properties and high swelling ratio have limited its in vivo application. To address these challenges, the researchers incorporated silk microfibers into chitosan scaffolds, resulting in a 500% improvement in mechanical properties while maintaining high porosity.
The mSF/CS composite scaffolds, fabricated using an ice-templating technique, not only demonstrated enhanced mechanical strength but also promoted cell adhesion and proliferation. In vivo tests in mice showed that the composite scaffolds maintained their structural integrity and exhibited better collagenation, angiogenesis, and osteogenesis abilities compared to pure chitosan scaffolds.
This study's innovation lies in its biomimetic approach, which draws inspiration from the natural extracellular matrix and the porous structure of cancellous bone. The resulting scaffolds have the potential to be used in biomedical applications, particularly in tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. The research provides a green and effective strategy for developing high-performance, implantable bio-based biomedical products, contributing to the field's sustainability and economic value.
See the article:
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobab.2024.03.004
Original Source URL
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2369969824000215
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