Both Tough and Soft Double Network Hydrogel Nanocomposite Based on O-Carboxymethyl Chitosan/Poly(vinyl alcohol) and Graphene Oxide: A Promising Alternative for Tissue Engineering

A reinforced double network (DN) hydrogel as a candidate for skin scaffold was prepared. It consists of O-carboxymethyl chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, honey, CaCl2, and graphene oxide. The various concentrations of CaCl2, namely, 30, 45, and 60 wt% were investigated. Besides, the GO content was studied as 3, 5, and 10 wt%. The structure of the DN was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller were evaluated. The mechanical properties were studied, too. It showed that the DN with 45 wt% CaCl2 was optimized. Also, swelling mechanism was investigated. Moreover, with the increase in GO content, the mechanical strength was increased. The cytotoxicity was evaluated and it was indicated that DN with 45% CaCl2 and 5% GO had an acceptable level of biocompatibility. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy images showed the porous structure of the DN nanocomposite. Thus, the DN has the potential to be applied in tissue engineering as a skin scaffold. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2020. (c) 2020 Society of Plastics Engineers