Collagen/chitosan/heparin complex with improved biocompatibility for hepatic tissue engineering

To make an implantable bioartificial liver (IBL), a new biocompatible collagen/chitosan/heparin complex was prepared using a crosslinking agent. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), mechanical strength and biocompatibility with whole blood and hepatocytes were measured. The collagen/chitosan/heparin complex resulted in a superior blood compatibility compared to 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC) crosslinked collagen matrix. The morphology and behavior of the cells on the collagen/chitosan/heparin membrane were found to be different from those on the collagen and collagen/chitosan membranes. Cells on the collagen membrane formed smaller three-dimensional aggregates than those on the collagen/chitosan membrane, while on the collagen/chitosan/heparin membrane, a round shape with no junctions were manifested. No adverse effects were found on the viability and function of the hepatocytes on the collagen/chitosan/heparin membrane compared to the collagen and collagen/chitosan membranes. These results suggest that this collagen/chitosan/heparin matrix is a potential candidate for hepatic tissue engineering.