Fast degrading polymer networks based on carboxymethyl chitosan

• Published in: Materials today communications 2017-03, Vol.10, p.54-66
• Main Authors: Gámiz-González, M.A., Guldris, P., Antolinos Turpín, C.M., Ródenas Rochina, J., Vidaurre, A., Gómez Ribelles, J.L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carboxymethyl chitosan and poly (ε-caprolactone) block-copolymer networks; Fast degradation; Mesenchymal stem cells; Thermal stability
• ISSN: 2352-4928; 2352-4928
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2017.01.005

•Polymer networks based on carboxymethyl chitosan/polycaprolactone were prepared.•They present a very fast enzymatic degradation and moderated hydrolytic degradation.•MSCs seeded in macroporous membranes were viable and proliferated inside the pores.•The seeded membranes were resorbed “in vitro” in times of the order of one week. In this work macroporous membrane for mesenchymal stem cells, MSCs, transplant has been developed. The membranes support cell seeding and proliferation and completely degrade in less than one week in “in vitro” culture. The biodegradable material is a polymer network based on carboxymethyl chitosan (a water soluble modification of chitosan) crosslinked by poly(ε-caprolactone) PCL, fragments which are susceptible to hydrolytic degradation. Synthesis was performed in solution in a common solvent for the two components of the network. The gel fraction was assessed by extraction in selective solvents. Physical characterization of networks of varying composition included water sorption capacity and the crystallinity of poly(ε-caprolactone) in the network. In this way polymer networks are synthesized that lose between 66±5% and 89±1% of their mass when immersed in water for 28days. The same weight loss is attained in enzymatic medium in only 4days. Porcine bone marrow MSCs were seeded in macroporous membranes to show cell viability, and proliferation up to 7days culture when the biomaterial is completely dissolved in the medium.