Formulative Study and Characterization of Novel Biomaterials Based on Chitosan/Hydrolyzed Collagen Films

• Published in: Journal of functional biomaterials 2024-03, Vol.15 (3), p.69
• Main Authors: Martínez Rodríguez, Tomás, Valentino, Caterina, Rodríguez Pozo, Francisco Ramón, Hernández Benavides, Pablo, Arrebola Vargas, Francisco, Paredes, José Manuel, Sainz-Díaz, Claro Ignacio, Iglesias, Guillermo R, Rossi, Silvia, Sandri, Giuseppina, Medina Pérez, María Del Mar, Aguzzi, Carola
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Angiogenesis; Antimicrobial agents; Biocompatibility; Biological products; Biomaterials; Biomedical materials; Blood vessels; Cell culture; Cell survival; Chitosan; Collagen; Cytokines; Dermatologic agents; Dermatology; Design of experiments; Electrostatic properties; Experimental design; Extracellular matrix; Factorial design; Fibroblasts; Formulae, receipts, prescriptions; Founding; Glycerin; Glycerol; Growth factors; Hyaluronic acid; Hydration; hydrolyzed collagen; Keratinocytes; Mechanical properties; Molecular weight; Phthalates; Plasticizers; Skin; Solvents; Spectrum analysis; Swelling; Wound healing; Wounds
• ISSN: 2079-4983; 2079-4983
• DOI: 10.3390/jfb15030069

To date, the need for biomaterials capable of improving the treatment of chronic skin wounds remains a clinical challenge. The aim of the present work is to formulate and characterize chitosan (Cs)/hydrolyzed collagen (HC) films as potential biomaterials with improved mechanical and hydration performances compared to single component formulations. Films were made by the solvent casting method, with or without glycerin and/or PEG1500 as plasticizers, resulting in a total of eight formulations. All films were characterized by their physico-chemical characteristics and their mechanical and hydration features. A full factorial design was also used to statistically assess the effect of HC concentration, type and concentration of plasticizers and their possible interactions on mechanical and swelling behaviors. Solid state characterization confirmed the hybrid nature of the films, with suggested electrostatic interactions between Cs and HC. Mechanical and swelling properties, along with the analysis of the experimental design, allowed the identification of formulations containing high HC concentration (2% / ) and glycerin or glycerin/PEG1500 as more suitable candidates for skin wound treatment. Finally, viability assay of immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) showed no statistical differences in cell survival compared to the complete culture medium, suggesting their potential as a promising tool for biomedical applications.