An injectable chitosan/laponite hydrogel synthesized via hybrid cross‐linking system: A smart platform for cartilage regeneration
Fatemeh Ranjbardamghani, Niloofar Eslahi, Reza Jahanmardi
Abstract
Abstract Thermo‐responsive polymeric hydrogels have received great attention in recent years. The current study aimed to fabricate and characterize injectable chitosan/laponite (CS‐L) hydrogels using a hybrid cross‐linking method by genipin and β‐ glycerophosphate (BGP). Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed the ionic and covalent interactions between the employed materials in the hydrogels. Scanning electron microscope images showed a decrease in the mean pore size from 129 to 83 μm after the incorporation of 1% laponite into the hydrogels. Energy dispersive X‐ray analysis proved the uniform distribution of laponite in the hydrogels. Besides, the gelation time of the chitosan/laponite hydrogels declined in comparison to the chitosan hydrogel owing to the presence of abundant hydroxyl groups in the laponite structure. Rheological investigations revealed 600% improvement in the storage modulus after the incorporation of 1% laponite. The compression test results similarly showed that the elastic modulus and compressive strength of CS‐L1% were significantly enhanced in comparison with pristine polymeric hydrogel. Non‐toxicity and antibacterial properties of the hydrogels demonstrated 95% cell viability and 99% antibacterial activity, respectively. In conclusion, the obtained results confirmed that the introduced hybrid hydrogels are appropriate candidates for cartilage tissue engineering applications.