Biological Properties of Chitosan/Collagen Composites

Abstract

The properties of new materials based on the blends of collagen and chitosan were studied along with their biological compatibility. Mechanical properties, thermal analysis, FTIR spectra and SEM images were obtained for different blends of chitosan/collagen in weight ratios 75/25, 50/50, 25/75. The materials in the form of 2D sheets were then subjected to cultures of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) directed toward osteogenesis with ascorbate-2-phosphate and dexamethasone. The results showed that specified amounts of components influence the mechanical properties of obtained materials. Proliferation of hMSC decreased with increasing amounts of chitosan in collagen/chitosan films. However, the cellular activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a marker of preosteoblasts and active osteoblasts, for plain collagen films ALP was the highest, whereas different ratios of collagen in chitosan/collagen composites had no effect on overall good ALP activity of hMSC. Based on the presented data, we believe the obtained materials are suitable for bone tissue engineering strategies.