@article {17607, title = {Characterization of chitosan and polycaprolactone membranes designed for wound repair application}, journal = {Journal of Materials Science}, volume = {47}, year = {2012}, month = {2012-01-02 00:00:00}, pages = {659-667}, publisher = {SPRINGER, 233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA}, abstract = {

Polycaprolactone\ (PCL) and\ chitosan\ (Ch) are nontoxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable polymers\ of\ vast interest\ forwoundrepair. The aim\ ofthis work was to prepare Ch/PCL\ membranes\ in different proportions (90:10 and 80:20 w/w) in the presence and absence\ of\ the surfactant Pluronic F68 (PF68). The\ membranes\ were evaluated regarding morphology, thermal behavior, and viscoelastic properties. Sample swelling and degradation in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), simulated body fluid (SBF), and fetal bovine serum (FBS) were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA), while cell toxicity to L929 and Vero fibroblasts was evaluated using the MTT reduction assay and cell proliferation, by DNA quantification and confocal laser microscopy. After 60 days in SBF, marked Ch matrix loss and advanced degradation\ of\ PCL particles were noticed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). No significant differences in melting temperature (T (m)) and enthalpy (Delta H (m)) were detected by DSC. However, the surfactant increased the Delta H (m). After 30 days, the\ membranes\ obtained in the presence\ of\ PF68 had absorbed more blood serum and were more degraded after exposure to simulated blood fluid\ for\ 30 days. All\ membranes\ had low cytotoxicity, and higher cell proliferation was noticed\ for\ samples obtained in the presence\ of\ the surfactant. In conclusion, the Ch/PCL\ membranes\ showed satisfactory degradability and biocompatibility, which enhances their potential\ forapplication\ in\ woundrepair.

}, keywords = {BLENDS, chitin, Degradation, DRESSINGS, NETWORKS, POLYSACCHARIDES, scaffolds, VISCOELASTIC PROPERTIES}, issn = { 0022-2461}, doi = {10.1007/s10853-011-5836-6}, url = {http://apps.webofknowledge.com/full_record.do?product=UA\&search_mode=GeneralSearch\&qid=20\&SID=R26mYWbF6MIAgV5us3R\&page=1\&doc=1}, author = {Salgado, C. L. and Sanchez, E. M. S. and Mano, J. F. and Moraes, A. M.} }