An injectable chitosan/laponite hydrogel synthesized via hybrid cross‐linking system: A smart platform for cartilage regeneration

Abstract

AbstractThermo‐responsive polymeric hydrogels have received great attention in recent years. The current study aimed to fabricate and characterize injectable chitosan/laponite (CS‐L) hydrogels using a hybrid cross‐linking method by genipin and β‐glycerophosphate (BGP). Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed the ionic and covalent interactions between the employed materials in the hydrogels. Scanning electron microscope images showed a decrease in the mean pore size from 129 to 83 μm after the incorporation of 1% laponite into the hydrogels. Energy dispersive X‐ray analysis proved the uniform distribution of laponite in the hydrogels. Besides, the gelation time of the chitosan/laponite hydrogels declined in comparison to the chitosan hydrogel owing to the presence of abundant hydroxyl groups in the laponite structure. Rheological investigations revealed 600% improvement in the storage modulus after the incorporation of 1% laponite. The compression test results similarly showed that the elastic modulus and compressive strength of CS‐L1% were significantly enhanced in comparison with pristine polymeric hydrogel. Non‐toxicity and antibacterial properties of the hydrogels demonstrated 95% cell viability and 99% antibacterial activity, respectively. In conclusion, the obtained results confirmed that the introduced hybrid hydrogels are appropriate candidates for cartilage tissue engineering applications.