Synthesis and Characterization of Self-assembled Hydrogels Based on Amphiphilic Derivates of Chitosan and Gelatin

Abstract

Self-assembled hydrogels based on amphiphilic derivates of biocompatible polymers, prepared through non-covalent interactions, without using chemical cross-linking agents, are receiving great attention as matrix for cells encapsulation. To our best knowledge, there are no studies in the literature regarding the design of self-assembled hydrogels based on a combination between palmitoyl chitosan and palmitoyl gelatin. In this context, this paper is devoted to the synthesis and characterization of self-assembled hydrogels based on amphiphilic derivates of chitosan and gelatin. Palmitoyl-chitosan and palmitoyl gelatin were prepared through the acylation reaction of polymers (chitosan and gelatin) with palmitoyl chloride. Self-assembled hydrogels based on amphiphilic derivatives of chitosan and gelatin were obtained by dropwise adding of the polymer solutions in cell culture media and spherical hydrogels with stable structure and a diameter of 4–5 mm were obtained. The composition of the hydrogels was confirmed by FTIR-ATR spectroscopy and the stereomicroscopy data indicated a porous structure. The hydrogels swelling degree and mechanical features, in terms of elastic modulus were evaluated and the values obtained for elastic modulus, registered in the range between 3801.52 N/m2 and 4577.49 N/m2 are suitable for hydrogels manipulation and their applications in soft tissue engineering. In vitro cytotoxicity tests, pointed out their cytocompatibility that offers future perspectives for applications in 3D-cell culturing and encapsulation.