Innovative methodology for marine collagen-chitosan-fucoidan hydrogels production, tailoring rheological properties towards biomedical application

last updated: 2021-09-02
ProjectTERM - Programa Doutoramento Norte 2020 :: publications list
TitleInnovative methodology for marine collagen-chitosan-fucoidan hydrogels production, tailoring rheological properties towards biomedical application
Publication TypePapers in Scientific Journals
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsCarvalho D. N., Gonçalves C., Oliveira J. M., Willliams D., Mearns Spragg A., Reis R. L., and Silva T. H.
Abstract

Marine polymers such as collagen, chitosan, and fucoidan can be combined to form ionic-linked hydrogel networks towards applications in tissue engineering (TE). The use of greener approaches (as determined by green metrics – E-factor), including the absence of external chemical cross-linking agents, has advantages regarding the potential cytotoxicity. By tailoring the formulation of such an ionic-linked hydrogel, it is possible to fine-tune scaffold biofunctionality. In this study, a comparative study of composite hydrogels was accomplished, seeking to understand the correlation between polymer characteristics and physical behaviour to develop the applicability of this technology in soft-to-hard TE. Parameters such as polymer concentration, molecular weight, polymer-biomaterials bonds, biomaterial structural architecture, pore size, and mechanical rheological properties were directly correlated to the hydrogel’s formulation. The results highlight that the formulation with greatest potential was the 3-component hydrogel (H12, followed by H10, H11), due to its superior mechanical properties, making it suitable for cartilage TE. This research offers a valuable perspective on hydrogel formulation and a new processing methodology, as well as how tailoring the hydrogel composition influences mechanical behaviour to support selecting the best composition for tissue engineering applications.

JournalGreen Chemistry
Pagination1-14
Date Published2021-08-20
PublisherThe Royal Society of Chemistry
ISSN1463-9270
DOI10.1039/D1GC02223G
URLhttps://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2021/gc/d1gc02223g
Keywordscartilage tissue engineering, Gel strength, marine biomaterials, Marine origin biopolymers, Mechanical Properties
RightsrestrictedAccess
Peer reviewedyes
Statuspublished

Back to top