Hybrid chitosan/amniotic membrane-based hydrogels for articular cartilage tissue engineering application

Abstract

A hybrid hydrogel combining collagen and chitosan (Ch) and human amniotic membranes (AM) were produced. To produce hybrid hydrogels, a fixed concentration of chitosan (2%) was used, adding AM as a booster at the concentrations of 2.5, 5.0. and 10.0% (w/w). DSC curves showed the denaturation of collagen. The swelling capacity of hydrogels ranged between 333 ± 19% and 368 ± 28%. The groups Ch-1.0 mg/mL and Ch-2.0 mg/mL had an elastic modulus 27% higher than the other groups.