Structure and rheology of chitosan-nanohydroxyapatite composite hydrogel for soft tissue regeneration

Abstract

Chitosan (CS) hydrogels show desirable characteristics to use a soft tissue implants due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability and antimicrobial characteristics. However, the structural stability hinders its application in vivo. In the present work nanohydroxyapatite (HAp) was reinforced with chitosan hydrogel and to develop chitosan-hydroxyapatite (CS-HAp) composite hydrogel. The nanohydroxyapatite modifies the hydrogel network by promoting the secondary hydrogen bonds thereby enhances the mechanical stiffness. The elastic modulus could reach 10 kPa which is necessary for the proposed application. Overall, chitosan-hydroxyapatite composite hydrogels are the promising implant materials for next-generation soft tissue regeneration. © 2020 Author(s).