Novel chitosan based synthetic polymers as implant material for cartilage reconstruction in the head and neck area

Introduction 

The ideal material for cartilage reconstruction in the head and neck should provide a suitable environment for the migration, proliferation and differentiation of chondrogenic cells and should disappear in time with the construction of new autologous cartilage tissue. In this regard, chitosan based biopolymers show promising properties with respect to these requirements. Therefore, in this study chitosan derivatives (a chitosan polymer mixed with water in various proportions by weight) were investigated for their effects on chondrocytes.

Methods 

To test the cytotoxicity of different chitosan derivatives, chondrocytes were seeded with the polymers and after 72 hours the viability of the cells was analysed using a viability assay (AlamarBlue). Chondrocytes with polymers were monitored for 28 days under cell culture conditions with a transmitted light microscope. Histological stainings (Alcian blue) and immunohistochemical stainings were performed to analyse these cell-polymer constructs for cartilage markers like proteoglycans and collagen II.

Results 

The polymers tested had no cytotoxic effect on chondrocytes. The polymers with a lower mass percentage allowed the chondrocytes to migrate more easily and quickly. The chondrocytes on the surface and inside the polymer expressed proteoglycans and collagen II.

Conclusion 

Chondrocytes can migrate into the polymers and begin to express cartilage specific extracellular matrix. This is a promising result for the potential use of chitosan based polymers as implant material to repair cartilage defects.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 May 2022