Synthesis and morphological characterization of chitosan / xanthan gum hydrogel with polycaprolactone nanofibers

Abstract

Polymeric materials are often used in tissue engineering as a cover or support for cell growth, allowing adhesion and maintenance of cell function, enabling the development of tissues such as the skin. In this sense, the objective of this study is to synthesize and characterize the hydrogel of Chitosan (Ch) and Xanthan (Xa) associated with electrolyzed polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers under the future intention of applicability in guided tissue regeneration. To do this, it will initially be made a solution dissolving 3g of polycaprolactone (PCL) in 2mL of Acetone. Afterwards, the solution will be subjected to the electro-spinning process, obtaining polymeric nanofibers, arranged at the bottom of a petri dish. Afterwards, a solution of chitosan (Ch) will be prepared, where 0.44 g of chitosan will be dissolved in 17 mL of acetic acid. Subsequently, a solution of xanthan (Xa) will be made by dissolving 0.2 g of xanthan in 10 ml of PBS. After one hour and visualization of complete dissolution of the xanthan, Xa will be slowly mixed with Ch under constant magnetic stirring. Afterwards, the final solution (ChXa) will be placed in a petri dish with PCL fibers and placed under refrigeration for 24h. The material is then subjected to the process of total evaporation of the solvent under ambient conditions for another 24 hours. The obtained material will be characterized according to its morphological properties. Thus, it is expected to define a synthesis standard for a dual-phase biomaterial (chitosan hydrogel and xanthan gum/PCL nanofibers) for tissue regeneration in addition to its morphological characterization.