Polyelectrolyte Complex of Chitosan and K-Carrageenan as Potential Scaffold for Tissue Engineering

• Main Authors: Chakraborty, Soma, Yatco, Kristina Angelica M, Chua, Edward King L, Chua, Modesto Tan
• Format: text
• Published: Archīum Ateneo 2018
• Subjects: Chitosan; K-carrageenan; hydroxyapatite; scaffold; Chemistry
• Online Access: https://archium.ateneo.edu/chemistry-faculty-pubs/43; https://journals.upd.edu.ph/index.php/sciencediliman/article/view/6425
• Institution: Ateneo De Manila University

Chitosan, K-carrageenan scaffolds were fabricated by forming their polyelectrolyte, followed by crosslinking k-carrageenan with calcium chloride. The scaffolds were reinforced with hydroxyapatite of nano and micron sizes. Most stable scaffolds were formed when chitosan and K-carrageenan were in 1:1 molar ratio, and when 1 wt% nanohydroxyapatite was used as the reinforcing agent. The scaffolds in dry form were sponge-like, flexible, and strong enough to be handled in dry conditions without undergoing any deformation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the scaffolds were porous at 79-95% porosity, depending on the type of hydroxyapatite used. The scaffolds swelled moderately and showed slow rate of degradation in the presence of lysozyme under human physiological condition. The extent of swelling and degradation was influenced by the type of hydroxyapatite incorporated. The scaffolds also supported the growth of BT-20 cells, proving that they are not cytotoxic.