Fabrication of carboxymethyl chitosan-strontium chondroitin sulfate composites for potential bone regeneration

Large bone defects have been a major healthcare concern. These defects are difficult to heal because of the chronic inflammatory environment surrounding the injury area. Osteoconductive composites with anti-inflammatory effects could provide a substrate to support cell growth and guide bone defect repair. Here, we synthesized a biofunctional composite that combined carboxymethyl-chitosan (CMCS) and strontium chondroitin sulfate (SrCS), for potential use in bone regeneration. We hypothesized that the as-prepared CMCS-SrCS com-posites could stimulate osteogenic activity and suppress inflammatory responses. The resultant composites dis-played uniformly porous structures and good swelling capacity. The effect of the composites on MC3T3-E1 cells was investigated in vitro and the live cells showed favorable viability. Moreover, the RT-PCR results indicated that the CMCS-SrCS composites could suppress inflammatory responses and promote the osteogenic differenti-ation of MC3T3-E1 cells. These results suggested the CMCS-SrCS composites should have osteoconductive characteristics. Thus, we believe that the developed CMCS-SrCS composites should be a promising skeletal candidate for regenerative engineering applications.

Automated summary

Researchers have synthesized a biofunctional composite combining carboxymethyl-chitosan and strontium chondroitin sulfate for bone regeneration. The composites showed porous structures, good swelling capacity, and the ability to promote osteogenic activity and suppress inflammatory responses. These findings suggest that the developed composites have potential as skeletal candidates for regenerative engineering applications.