Chitosan-gelatin hybrid polymer network scaffolds were prepared via the freeze-drying technique by using the ice microparticle as a porogen. Monolayer and bilayer scaffolds were obtained by using different pre-freezing methods. The novel bilayer scaffolds were prepared via contact with 561C lyophilizing plate directly, then lyophilized. The properties of chitosan-gelatin scaffolds, such as microstructure, physical and mechanical and degradable properties, were studied. These results suggested that the porosity and pore size of the scaffolds could be modulated with thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of ice formation. The scaffolds prepared from chitosan and gelatin can be utilized as a promising matrix for tissue engineering.

A novel biodegradable hydroxyapatite/chitosan-gelatin network (HA/CS-Gel) composite of similar composition to that of normal human bone was prepared as a three-dimensional biomimetic scaffold by phase separation method for bone tissue engineering. Changing the solid content and the compositional variables of the original mixtures allowed control of the porosities and densities of the scaffolds. The HA granules were dispersed uniformly in the organic network with intimate interface contact via pulverizing and ultrasonically treating commercial available HA particles. Scaffolds of 90.6% porosity were used to examine the proliferation and functions of the cells in this three-dimensional microenvironment by culturing neonatal rat caldaria osteoblasts. Histological and immunohistochemical staining and scanning electron microscopy observation ndicated that the osteoblasts attached to and proliferated on the scaffolds. Extracellular matrices including collagen I and proteoglycan-like substrate were synthesized, while osteoid and bone-like tissue formed during the culture period. Furthermore, the cell/scaffold constructs had good biomineralization effect after 3 weeks in culture.

The objective of the present studywas to investigate the properties of chitosan–gelatin membranes or scaffolds, which were modified byincorporation of hyaluronic acid in the surface or bulk phase through co-crosslinking with N;N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N0-ethyl carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) in 2-morpholinoethane sulfonic acid (MES) buffer. The comparative studyon properties of surface modification (HA(S)) and polyblend membranes (HA(C)) revealed that gelatin was enriched on the surface of HA(C), while hyaluronic acid was enriched on the surface of the HA(S). The HA(S) membranes made by surface modification method had a characteristic surface morphology. The corresponding scaffolds were prepared through freezedrying. The incorporation of hyaluronic acid improved flexibility and fibroblasts adhesion, while slowing down the rate of biodegradation of chitosan-gelatin scaffold. Human fibroblasts adhered and proliferated well on the membranes or scaffolds in vitro.

Our objective in this study was to investigate the efficiency of two treatments for poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA) surface modification with gelatin, via entrapment and coupling, using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). The properties of original PLLA, gelatin-entrapped, and coupled PLLA films were investigated by water contact angle measurement and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). The water contact angle indicated that the incorporation of gelatin resulted in a change in hydrophilicity, and the ESCA data suggested that the modified PLLA films became enriched with nitrogen atoms. The cytocompatibility of modified PLLA films might be improved. Therefore, we examined the attachment and proliferation of bovine articular chondrocyte seeded on modified PLLA films and virgin films. A whole-cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cell ELISA) that detects 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation during DNA synthesis and collagen type II secretion was applied to evaluate the chondrocytes on different PLLA films and tissue culture plates (TCPS). Cell viability was estimated by the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay, and cell function was assessed by measuring lycosaminoglycan (GAG) secreted by chondrocytes. These results implied that gelatin used to modify the PLLA surface through entrapment and coupling could enhance chondrocyte adhesion, proliferation, and function.

The object of this study was to investigate the relationship between the concentrations of HA solutions and the physicochemical properties and the biocompatibility of Cs-Gel-HA membranes. The addition of different concentrations of HA not only improved the wettability significantly and extended the degradation time of Cs-Gel-HA membranes, but also changed their mechanical properties. The concentration of HA had a significant influence on the biocompatibility of Cs-Gel-HA membranes. Results demonstrated that it was only the concentrations of HA in a certain range (0.01-0.1%), that could promote the cell adhesion, migration and proliferation, while the concentration of HA was above 0.1% it would either reduce or even inhibit these behaviors.