Formation of Chitosan-Based Hydrogels Network - Chitosan Based Hydrogels: Functions and Applications - page 198

Glutaraldehyde cross-linked
chitosan/chondroitin sulfate
composites: chondroitin
sulfate was released from
composites due to the
glutaraldehyde cross-linked
only with amino groups on
chitosan; therefore, the
adsorption efficiency of
bFGF was reduced.

Ca 2- -cross-linked chitosan/
chondroitin sulfate
composites: over
cross-linking of the composite
with Ca 2+ will reduce the
bFGF binding ability because
the spaces for binding bFGF
are quickly occupied with
Ca 2-

bGFG

EDC/NHS-cross-linked
chitosan/chondroitin
sulfate composites: the
adsorbtion efficiency for
bFGF was improved due
to the fact of chondroitin
sulfate was free to bind
bFGF

ChS

Figure 4.11
Schematic comparisons of bFGF-binding modes between the EDC/NHS-, GA-, and Ca 2+ -cross-linked chitosan/
composites. (From Mi, F. L. et al. 2006. J Biomed Mater Res 76A: 1-15. With permission.)

stable and biocompatible microenviroment for the adhesion, proliferation, and differen-
tiation of fibroblast and keratinocytes. The fibroblasts proliferation in the chitosan/
gelatin/HA scaffolds is significantly higher than that in the chitosan/gelatin scaffolds
after 7 days. The results show that the scaffold has the potential to develop functional
artificial skin [148].

4.3.1.2.3 Chitosan/Heparin Network
Heparin is a GAG used mainly as an anticoagulant or for the prevention of venous throm-
bosis and pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing surgery. Heparin and its related
polysaccharides also play important roles in the regulation of blood vessel growth and
regression. Three-dimensional, macroporous chitosan/heparin composite scaffolds are
prepared by an interpolyelectrolyte and cross-linked using EDC/NHS or GA. The scaffolds