Co-assembly of chitosan and phospholipids into hybrid hydrogels

Mendes A., Shekarforoush E., Engwer C., Beeren S., Gorzelanny C., Goycoolea F., Chronakis I.

Abstract

Novel hybrid hydrogels were formed by adding chitosan (Ch) to phospholipids (P) self-assembled particles in lactic acid. The effect of the phospholipid concentration on the hydrogel properties was investigated and was observed to affect the rate of hydrogel formation and viscoelastic properties. A lower concentration of phospholipids (0.5% wt/v) in the mixture, facilitates faster network formation as observed by Dynamic Light Scattering, with lower elastic modulus than the hydrogels formed with higher phospholipid content. The nano-porous structure of Ch/P hydrogels, with a diameter of 260±20 nm, as observed by cryo-scanning electron microscopy, facilitated the penetration of water and swelling. Cell studies revealed suitable biocompatibility of the Ch/P hydrogels that can be used within life sciences applications.