Chitosan Scaffolds Containing Hyaluronic Acid for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Scaffolds derived from natural polysaccharides are very promising in tissue engineering applications and regenerative medicine, as they resemble glycosaminoglycans in the extracellular matrix.In this study we have prepared freeze-dried composite scaffolds of chitosan (CHT) and hyaluronic acid (HA), in different weight ratios containing either no HA (control), 1%, 5%, or 10% of HA.We hypothesized that HA could enhance structural and biological properties of chitosan scaffolds.To test this hypothesis, physicochemical and biological properties of CHT/HA scaffolds were evaluated.SEM micrographs, mechanical properties, swelling tests, enzymatic degradation, and FT-IR chemical maps were performed.To test the ability of the CHT/HA scaffolds to support chondrocyte adhesion and proliferation, live-dead and MTT assays were performed.Results showed that CHT/HA composite scaffolds are non-cytotoxic and promote cell adhesion.ECM formation was further evaluated with safranin-O and alcian blue stainings, and GAG and DNA quantifications were performed.The incorporation of HA enhanced cartilage ECM production.CHT/5HA had a better pore network configuration and exhibited enhanced ECM cartilage formation.Based on our results we believe that CHT/HA composite matrixes have potential use in cartilage repair.