Development and characterization of carbohydrate-based thermosensitive hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering

In this work, thermosensitive hydrogels formulated with methylcellulose, xanthan gum and/or carboxymethyl chitosan were developed and characterized as a potential treatment for damaged or osteoarthritic joints. The formulations produced experienced a reversible sol-gel transition upon a temperature change from room temperature to 37 degrees C. Three different drugs were incorporated into the hydrogels: dexamethasone, diclofenac sodium, and gallic acid. The cytotoxicity of the hydrogels was accessed and the hydrogels were also characterized regarding aspect and surface morphology, swelling, and stability, gelling temperature, compressive modulus, FT-IR and drugs release behavior. Sufficiently stable hydrogels with high culture medium absorption capacity were obtained. When freeze-dried, the hydrogels showed a highly interconnected porous structure. The compressive equilibrium and dynamic modulus were higher in the hydrogels with drugs, since gallic acid could crosslink the structures. In summary, the hydrogels produced may be effective candidates for the repair of osteoarthritic joints after minimally invasive surgery.